Episode 4: What Counts as a Claim? How the FTC Evaluates Beauty, Wellness & Supplement Marketing

In Episode 4, the team breaks down a foundational concept in FTC oversight: what actually counts as a “claim.” They explain how both express statements (like “clinically proven”) and implied messages (like before‑and‑after photos or carefully crafted visuals) can create claims that must be backed by real evidence.The hosts walk through the FTC’s substantiation standard, what kind of scientific proof the agency expects for cosmetic, supplement, and wellness products, and why phrases like “boosts gene activity,” “clinically proven,” or “reduces plaque by 30%” often get companies in trouble.To illustrate this, they dive into several of the FTC’s most notable deceptive‑advertising cases, showing how major brands oversold results, targeted vulnerable consumers, and relied on tiny or flawed studies.Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to, and does not constitute, legal advice or a solicitation for the formation of an attorney-client relationship. The information in the podcast is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed in the appropriate jurisdiction. Podcast listeners should not act upon any information in the podcast without first consulting legal counsel of their own directly. This podcast does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials mentioned in this podcast is at the user’s own risk.