The Pharmaceutical industry is the most regulated branch of consumer industries. Nothing can pass from basic concepts, product development to product launch on the market without extensive research and documented substantiation and proof. A system of musts and requirements is set in place for all players in the Pharma industry and if they don’t play by the rules, they get fined-In some cases pretty badly.
A logical train of thought would lead you to the conclusion that the same should apply for products that have the most impact on our bodies and might affect our health- Cosmetics. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
Beauty industry and its “regulations”
In the US the FDA (Food and Drug Association) is in charge of regulating food, drugs and cosmetics. Unlike drugs, where safety and efficacy are rigorously examined, and require pre-approval from the FDA to enter the market, cosmetics run wild and free-unregulated without any prior approval.
Indeed, there are requirements predefined by the FDA regarding colors, UV filters (found in sunscreen products), prohibited ingredients etc. There are still no barriers for manufacturers to enter the market at their own will and responsibility. On the other hand, in Europe a full technical dossier on cosmetic products is required and must be kept available for inspection upon request of the local authorities.
Deceiving and misleading claims in beauty
On average it takes 5-8 years and millions of dollars to bring a new drug to the market. Tedious laboratory, technical and clinical research is necessary for a Pharma company to release a new product. On the other hand, you can start making DIY creams and selling them to your friends, family, neighbors the same day. What’s more, you can design a pretty label, throw in some fancy words such as “advanced, revitalizing, hyper, XXX boosting” and you’re off to a great start.
Big beauty brands often use the same concept. Their claims additionally involve wording such as “clinically proven”, “scientifically approved”, “dermatologically tested” etc. Traditionally, these claims are used without substantiation-products never enter any kind of clinical testing. The best you can hope for is that a “patch test” was performed, to show the product doesn’t cause an allergic reaction. In Europe this is a mandatory step, in the US it is not.
In general, there is too much marketing, non-relevant, misleading, false information on cosmetic packaging that even the most experienced professional can become confused. They are commonly deceived with “before and after” shots, using airbrushed images, giving them unrealistic expectations of what a certain beauty product can achieve in a very short time.
Beauty ingredients can cause harm?
It should be clarified, there are mechanisms in place to protect the consumers from risks and threats that might stem from personal care products. One such are product recalls, which are unfortunately a form of damage control, not a tool for prevention. Probably the most famous recall to date was noted in 2021, when several companies pulled of the market sunscreen products containing benzene. Serious concerns were raised based on findings from independent research facilities claiming that benzene is highly carcinogenic.
Precisely these situations raise alarms in consumers, making them more suspicious with every new scandal in the cosmetic industry. However, consumers are taking matters in their own hands, seeking out highly ethical brands and educating themselves on the science behind cosmetics.
New waves in beauty industry
The lack of transparency and safety in the skincare sector, and current beauty trends which are moving away from “glamorous” to a “healthy” look, have resulted in the emergence of independent (indie) skincare brands. An indie skincare brand is one that is usually independently owned and operated, whose products and the way of doing business are something out of the ordinary.
Indie skincare customers want to know all about product ingredients they will be putting on their skin. Additionally, they are environmentally and socially conscious, and consider the impact of the products they use on the world around them. They expect manufacturers to prove the ingredients and formulations of their products are safe, of the highest quality, as well as environmentally friendly, whose credibility is backed by their founder.
One such emerging brand is Anbiome Skincare, spin off startup of a highly innovative biotech company Anbiome Life Science. They have successfully built their technology award winning biotech platform used for new drug product development. Their products feature hypoallergenic ingredients that have been carefully selected to be suited for sensitive and reactive skin. Also, they are dedicated to neutralizing their negative impact on the environment as much as possible and have joined the stream of sustainable skincare brands.
Clinically proven skincare that works
The clinical superiority of Anbiome’s products was demonstrated in a double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial on 50 volunteers. All volunteers applied two separate products on their face, one placebo-regular hydrating cream and one Anbiome’s proprietary formulation. Both the volunteers and investigators were unaware of which was which (double-blind). The participants were tested every two weeks, using a specialized ApiSkin tester. This device measured skin moisture levels, elasticity, wrinkle depth, skin sensitivity, cleanliness and melanin production. Independent research organization (CRO) was included in the evaluation of the clinical data. Statistical analysis of the clinical data revealed that four weeks of product use resulted in a considerable increase in skin moisture levels (39%), increase in skin elasticity (50%), and a decrease in the appearance of wrinkles (23%).
All results were published in a peer reviewed medical journal and can be found here.
Anbiome Skincare stands firm by their claims and have scientific and sociological evidence to back them up. If their narrative resonates with you, and you share ideals and passion for clean, sustainable, and clinically proven skincare, give Anbiome Skincare a try.
Study participants testimonials
Scientifically recognized technology
References:
- https://www.enjuris.com/blog/resources/largest-pharmaceutical-settlements-lawsuits/
- https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/cosmetics-us-law
- https://www.businessinsider.com/cosmetic-industry-is-shockingly-unregulated-2015-10
- https://www.personalcarecouncil.org/u-s-and-eu-cosmetics-regulation/
- https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/20/business/procter-and-gamble-dry-shampoo-recall/index.html
- https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/17/health/sunscreen-recall-cancer-wellness/index.html
- https://www.healthline.com/health-news/these-10-skincare-claims-are-meaningless