Dermatologist Approved: Fact or Fiction?
Ever wonder what the terms Dermatologist Approved or Dermatologist Tested actually mean on a product’s label? Although many popular skin care products cite these claims on their products labels, Beauty Beat reader beware! These terms are misleading and confusing.
There is no industry-wide standard or industry-wide definition as to what “Dermatologist Tested” or “Dermatologist Approved” mean. Unlike the uniform, streamlined labeling the FDA requires a company meet in order to include sunscreen claims on a product, these terms are loosely used and not regulated. As a result, we are just left guessing. Does it mean the product is kind to the skin? Maybe is good on sensitive skin? Does it mean it helps with fine lines and sun damage? Or just not cause an allergic reaction?
Since there is no standard definition to these terms, consumers are left with an element of confusion as to the effectiveness or level of safety these claims may imply! Without a greater openess from these companies and an industry accepted level of standard definitions, we do not have enough information to compare what these terms actually mean. Beauty Beat recommends ignoring these claims and focusing on the skin care ingredients. Visit My Beauty Beat’s Ingredient Glossary to help!
Thanks for the clarification. I never could figure out what Dermatologist Tested or Dermatologist Approved ever really meant. I visited MBB’s Ingredient Glossary and that helped. Since there is no industry standard we need MBB to guide us in this “tricky maze,” of product claims. An MBB subscriber.
posted on January 8, 2008 at 4:47 pm