‘False claims’ on spot cream

SKINCARE brands have been accused of making false claims about their products and acne.

The Advertising Standards Authority last year banned ads from leading brands because the condition can only be treated with medication or creams from a pharmacist.

However, products made by Kiehl’s, Origins, e.l.f and Burt’s Bees all appear to still promise to deal with spots or acne.

In two out of the three Kiehl’s shops visited by undercover reporters, staff failed to give clear advice about skincare products.

E.l.f sells a gel which promises to ‘banish zits’. The Channel 4 Supershoppers probe also highlighted a Burt’s Bees ‘targeted spot treatment’ which costs £11.49.

Kiehl’s said its claims were independently validated. E.l.f said it would ‘further evaluate’ its gel. Origins said the claims were cosmetic, not medicinal. Burt’s Bees insisted its product did not make a claim regarding treatment.