Episode 6: FTC + FDA Regulatory Overlap: Supplements, Cosmetics, and Drugs

In Episode 6, the team dives into how the FTC and FDA work together to regulate beauty, wellness, and dietary supplement products, especially when claims cross the line into disease‑treatment territory. While the FTC focuses on truth in advertising, the FDA focuses on product safety, efficacy, and labeling, and together they determine how a product is classified: cosmetic, drug, or dietary supplement.The hosts explain the decades‑old memorandum of understanding between the agencies, how intended use determines a product’s regulatory category, and why supplements are treated very differently from prescription drugs. They also explore how influencers and celebrities complicate these rules, especially when visually‑implied claims or omissions mislead consumers. Real case studies help illustrate how even a single social media post can trigger regulatory action.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.