FTC Proposes Settlement On Firms’ Genetic Skin-Care, Supplement Claims
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
GeneLink and foru International Corporation, which marketed a nutritional supplement and skin-care product system tailored to users’ unique genetic profiles, have agreed in a proposed FTC settlement to discontinue health claims that lack sufficient scientific backing.
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Marketing In Brief
GeneWize Life Sciences: Longwood, Fla.-based subsidiary of GeneLink Biosciences expands its portfolio of "DNA-personalized" supplements and skin care with introduction of LifeMap YGLT (You're Gonna Love This!) for teens. Line has two components - Anti-Acne Skin Serum and Nutrition for Teens. The serum is touted as "the first all-natural, organic and 100% safe anti-acne product," formulated without benzoyl peroxide or other "harsh" chemicals found in leading acne treatments, company says. Instead, the product contains "the most effective all-natural 'acne-active' ingredients available" - 30 key skin nutrients, vitamins and minerals overall - addressing the problem at its source, according to Oct. 7 release. Nutrition for Teens is formulated with vitamins A, B, C, D and K, "along with essential minerals including calcium for the critical body-growth years," and delivers the equivalent of four to six servings of fruits and vegetables, firm says. The ingredients have been validated by an independent third party, firm adds. GeneWize's flagship LifeMap me DNA Skin Repair Serum is custom-blended based on an assessment "to discover your genetic variations for oxidative damage, environmental stresses, irritation, collagen breakdown and photo-aging," firm's website notes. Cost of the assessment and serum is $129 a month. HelixLife has teamed with GeneLink to market a skin-care solution for "disadvantaged genes" (1"The Rose Sheet" Sept. 27, 2010)