Advertising
Watchdog rules that Anti-Wrinkle Cream ad was misleading

The Johnson & Johnson ad for RoC Complete Lift claimed to give
a 'measurable' lift to women's skin
But, an official investigation has ruled that is no firm evidence that
this skin cream reduces wrinkles.
The Advertising Standards Authority ruled that Johnson &
Johnson's sales pitch for RoC Complete Lift was not supported by
"robust science".
In press advertising, Johnson & Johnson claimed a two-month
clinical study proved that its product gave middle-aged women
young-looking skin. An independent expert found, however, that the
study's methodology was flawed because it lacked objective measures,
records and corroborating photography. In addition, it had been carried
out by a Johnson & Johnson employee.
"We concluded the ad was misleading," said the ASA, which banned the
advert and warned the US medical, pharmaceuticals and consumer giant to
consult the Committee of Advertising Practice before advertising again.
In the latest embarrassment to the £15bn-a-year global
cosmetics industry, Johnson & Johnson claimed that women who
used RoC CompleteLift would experience a "measurable lift".
A patented ingredient in the product called THPE was "clinically proven
to work in just 8 weeks of use," the advert said. A footnote explained:
"Clinical study, 41 women, 8 weeks of use."
Members of the public complained after noticing another statement in
the small print that the product did not give a "physical lift".
Johnson & Johnson said in its defence that its research showed
the product gave a "measurable lift" as long as people used it
– rather than a permanent lift. |