Shampoo Bottle Science: Is Snake Oil FDA Approved?

Wait, you read the bottles? That’s amazing! They must love you! (I’m being serious too, I’ve never read the shampoo bottle or conditioner bottled beyond making sure it’s the right hair type—getting something that would add to my volume would be a disaster.)

Forget shampoos, what about herbal products, chiropractic and homeopathy? Even more dangerous snake oil abounds…

@shilolo, yeah, but at least it’s not put forth as hard science, unlike Herbal Essences. Homeopathy is usually hawked as a more spiritual process, or whatever. I’m not into that either. @Empress, read the backs of your shampoo bottles. They’re infuriating/hilarious. And then post some examples here!

Cosmetic products, including shampoos, are not subject to pre-approval by the FDA unless they make claims that would cause them to be considered as drugs (defined as “those products that cure, treat, mitigate or prevent disease or that affect the structure or function of the human body”). Manufacturers generally avoid crossing that line, while cozying up to it as closely as possible.

I read the bottles, too. Yeah…they crack me up. It is highly annoying that they can get away with some of the practices they get away with. My favorite trick is the ads. They show the models with beautiful hair – perfect, no issues. However, after reading how the commercials are really done – makes you just want to buy the cheapo stuff on the aisle.

@shilolo – first, beautiful baby!! :) Second – I loved the person that told me I was killing myself by having chemo as a treatment for cancer. I should just rely on the chiropractor and herbal remedies. Oh and I’ll never forget the cottage cheese and flax seed oil diet to cure cancer. I’ve starting working with a group to help cancer patients more aware of the fraudulent claims that are out there. It’s so scary! (sorry tonedef…I know it’s off topic!)

@cak, not at all! Discussing regulation and pseudoscience is exactly what I wanted out of this. I’m so glad there’s a movement out there, since so much is at stake.

@tonedef (and others). If you have the time (and the energy), you can read a fascinating discussion between me and Marina on the topic of complementary medicine (as much of this is called). Prepare yourself, however, this is a long discussion.

Harp is right on. (excellent answer, Harp—there should be an “Excellent Answer” button just for you!)

They don’t have to back up their claims because the products are considered cosmetic. Same with all those face creams that purport to decrease wrinkles by “40%” or whatever, with their “dermacrap technology” and all that sort of thing.

EDIT: Yes, I found it! Here’s an excellent article from the NYT: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/02/fashion/02skin.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=cosmetics+words&st=nyt

It’s about exactly what you’re talking about – these dumb words that they make up that barely even mean anything – It’s called “Skin Deep: Buying Face Cream? Grab a Glossary”.