"The Feeling of Fat Burning Away"... The Betrayal of a Cosmetic That Promises to Melt Belly Fat Just by Applying

Cases of Claims on Efficacy and Effects of 'Fat Breakdown' Pharmaceuticals

Posts falsely and exaggeratedly advertising cosmetics as pharmaceuticals, claiming effects such as fat breakdown and body fat reduction, have been detected.

Examples of false and exaggerated advertising posts. Provided by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety

On the 24th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) identified 123 advertisements that promoted cosmetics with claims of pharmaceutical efficacy and effects such as body shape maintenance or weight loss, which could cause consumers to mistakenly perceive them as pharmaceuticals, and one advertisement that deceived consumers by stating false information or causing misperception.

Some products claimed medically unverified effects such as "fat breakdown," "cellulite removal," "body fat reduction," and "weight loss," or used misleading expressions like "no steroid ingredients" and "non-irritating," which could cause consumers to misunderstand or be misled. One cosmetic sales post even advertised with a testimonial saying, "After applying and exercising, I felt as if the fat was burning away."

The MFDS specifically cited advertisements claiming not to use steroid ingredients, stating, "Using expressions that the product does not contain steroid ingredients, which are originally prohibited substances, poses a high risk of consumer misunderstanding." Among the 124 false and exaggerated advertisements, the MFDS requested local government offices to conduct on-site inspections and administrative actions on 30 sales posts directly advertised by responsible cosmetic sellers.

The MFDS urged, "Please be cautious not to be misled by false and exaggerated advertisements when purchasing cosmetics," and added, "We will continue to conduct inspections and take measures to ensure consumers can use cosmetics with confidence."