National Advertising Division Refers Health-Related Claims for Dr. Teal’s Melatonin Sleep Products to Federal Trade Commission for Further Review

New York, NY – December 6, 2023 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs referred advertising claims made by PDC Brands for its Dr. Teal’s branded adult and kid’s lines of melatonin sleep products to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for review. 

PDC Brands declined to participate in the industry self-regulation process, and as a result, NAD has referred its advertising claims to the FTC.

The claims at issue, which were challenged by The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G), appeared on product packaging, Dr. Teal’s website, and social and digital media in connection with Dr. Teal’s topical bath soaks, scrubs, moisturizers, balms, and sprays. P&G argued that claims for these products were unsupported and misled consumers into believing that they deliver melatonin-derived sleep benefits that consumers have become familiar with (i.e., helping them and/or their children fall asleep and stay asleep).

During the inquiry, PDC Brands stated that, for reasons unrelated to the challenge, certain challenged claims were in the process of being modified or permanently discontinued. Therefore, NAD did not review these claims on their merits.  

PDC declined to participate in the NAD self-regulatory process with respect to the remaining challenged claims, contending that they do not attribute any specific benefit to melatonin:

• Dr. Teal’s “Sleep Balm —with Melatonin & Essential Oils”
• Dr. Teal’s Body Lotion —“Sleep Lotion with Melatonin & Essential Oils”
• Dr. Teal’s kids—“sleep spray with melatonin & essential oils”
• Dr. Teal’s kids Gentle Epsom Salt Bath—“sleep soak with melatonin & essential oils”
• Dr. Teal’s kids Body Lotion—“sleep lotion with melatonin & essential oils”
• Dr. Teal’s kids—“sleep body balm with melatonin & essential oils”
• Dr. Teal’s kids 3-in-1 Bubble Bath, Body Wash & Shampoo—“sleep bath with melatonin & essential oils”
• “Just spritz pillows and bedding with the Sleep Spray and rub the Sleep Balm on their back, chest, or feet. They’ll be dreaming in no time.”
• “The secret to a good night’s rest is Dr. Teal’s Sleep Lotion with Melatonin and Essential Oils.” 

As a result of PDC’s decision not to participate in the NAD self-regulatory process with respect to these claims, NAD has referred the matter to the FTC for review and possible enforcement action. 

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. Per NAD/NARB procedures, this release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.