NAD Examines Advertising for Dermasilk

New York, NY – Nov. 14, 2008 – The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus has recommended that BioTech Corporation International, which markets the DermaSilk Anti-Wrinkle dietary supplement, modify or discontinue certain claims for the product.

Broadcast advertising for DermaSilk came to the attention of NAD, the advertising industry’s self-regulatory forum, though NAD’s ongoing monitoring program.

NAD examined claims that included:

• “Introducing DermaSilk AntiWrinkle.  A revolutionary, age-defying anti-wrinkle supplement.”
• “It’s like getting a face-lift without the invasive surgery.”
• “Helps repair damage caused by sun exposure.”
• “DermaSilk’s natural skin formula helps increase firmness, hydration, elasticity and density.”
• “Turn back the years with DermaSilk.”
• “For smooth, soft, younger looking skin, ask for DermaSilk Anti-Wrinkle.”
• Derma-Silk can “reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in just 2 weeks.”
• “DermaSilk is clinically proven to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and premature aging.” 

Upon receipt of NAD’s opening letter, the advertiser advised NAD that it had permanently discontinued the claim “reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in just 2 weeks.” 

The advertiser submitted a number of articles on the efficacy of certain ingredients in DermaSilk when applied topically and the bioavailability of one or more of the ingredients when it is administered orally, as well as clinical studies that assessed the cosmetic benefits of 2 of the ingredients in DermaSilk.

 Following its review of the evidence, NAD recommended the advertiser discontinue the following claims:

• “Introducing DermaSilk AntiWrinkle. A revolutionary, age-defying anti-wrinkle supplement.”
• “It’s like getting a face-lift without the invasive surgery.”
• “Helps repair damage caused by sun exposure.”
• “Turn back the years with DermaSilk.” be discontinued. 

NAD further recommended that the advertiser modify the remaining claims to more accurately reflect that there is emerging evidence that some of the ingredients in DermaSilk may potentially improve the appearance of aging skin and reduce oxidative stress on the skin. 

The company, in its advertiser’s statement, said that while the company is “pleased” with NAD’s decision regarding the use of certain claims in the context of emerging science, “we respectfully disagree with NAD’s other findings.”

Nevertheless, the company said, “it supports the self-regulatory process and intends to consider all of NAD’s recommendation in future advertising.”