Question & AnswerQ&A (DBM CIRCULAR LETTER NO. 2000-11)
The circular aims to clarify and guide personnel and clients on the permissible claims regarding the use of the words 'Exfoliate' and 'Exfoliant' in cosmetic labelling.
Exfoliants are fundamentally astringents intended to encourage desquamation of the stratum corneum of the skin, such as witch hazel, salicylic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids.
Exfoliants are prepared primarily for oily skin and are intended as substitutes for astringents in cleansing regimens for acne-prone persons.
Acceptable claims include 'Exfoliants', 'Exfoliate', 'Remove or shed-off dead skin surface cells', 'Uncover anew skin that looks cleaner, fresher and finer', 'Accelerate the natural renewal of skin cells', and 'Aid in the treatment of acne by alleviating comedones'.
Manufacturers must submit substantive evidence and/or the formulation of the cosmetic preparation itself to substantiate the claims.
Other words or phrases not included in the specified list will be evaluated based on the technical evidence submitted to substantiate the action, benefit, or advantage depicted.
The circular was signed and adopted by William D. Torres, PhD., Director of BFAD.
It was officially adopted on November 24, 1999.
BFAD regulates cosmetic labeling to ensure claims made are truthful and substantiated, supporting public health and consumer protection under relevant Philippine laws governing food and drugs.
Requiring substantive evidence ensures that claimed effects are scientifically backed, preventing misleading information and protecting consumers from false advertising.