Medical aesthetic products. Dior to face class action suit over ‘misleading’ 24-hour SPF protection claim

THE WHAT? Dior could be called upon to defend its 24-hour SPF claim in court after a proposed class action suit charged the LVMH-owned beauty brand of misleading marketing.

THE DETAILS The lawsuit alleges that the products in question, which carry statements such as ‘24HR Foundation… with sunscreen’, are misbranded because studies have proven SPF protection can be effective for no more than two hours after application.

THE WHY? The Californian plaintiff behind the suit says that she would not have paid a premium for the product had she known it could only provide protection for two hours. However, Dior is more than likely to contend that its 24HR claim is related to the coverage and not the added benefit of the sunscreen. Whether the case makes it to court on not will likely rest on the ‘reasonable consumer’ test.

Medical aesthetic products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics, which combines medical practices with cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of individuals. These products are typically used under the supervision of trained medical professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or specialized nurses. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or require medical expertise for their application.

Examples of medical aesthetic products include:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These may include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

• Chemical Peels: Solutions containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, used to improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Laser and Light Devices: Equipment used for various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

• Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants, designed to address specific dermatological concerns under medical supervision.

• Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Cosmeceuticals: High-quality skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing biologically active ingredients with proven efficacy.