Lancome, one of the leading manufacturers and marketers of cosmetics, has run into some trouble with the FDA over its potentially misleading health claims promoting its Génifique, Absolue and Rénergie line of products.
Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, a company may not promote a product as a drug without prior approval from the FDA. The FDA, in reviewing Lancome’s website, recently identified a number of products that were being promoted, not simply as cosmetics, but as a product that can affect the structure or any function of the human body, which makes them drugs under the law.
The FDA identified a number of claims with respect to this line of products that it found troubling. For example, Lancome claims that its Génifique line of creams “boosts the activity of genes and stimulates the production of youth proteins.” Similarly, Lancome represents that its Absolue sunscreens and eye creams have “been shown to improve the condition around the stem cells and stimulate cell regeneration to reconstruct skin to a denser quality.” And, perhaps most surprisingly, Lancome asserts that its Rénergie eye cream “helps to re-bundle collagen.”
he FDA concluding that these products “are not generally recognized among qualified experts as safe and effective for the above referenced uses.” If there is no substantiation for these health claims, it would appear that Lancome is selling its products using deceptive marketing. We are actively investigating a potential class action against Lancome in connection with these claims.
If you or someone you know purchased any of the Génifique, Absolue and Rénergie line of products, please contact us to discuss your legal options.