Can I say it?
Can I say “clinically proven” in a med spa ad?
Usually no. 3 rules fired across 3 sample sentences, and the checker's own text explains why.
The short answer
Usually no. The checker blocks the bare phrase in this setting. The first rule it hits is CG-EFF-001. Its reason: Proof claims need competent and reliable scientific evidence, usually human clinical testing.
Source the rule cites: FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance (2022); FTC Act section 5
Checked as an ad promoting a clinical service.
A clear result is not an all-clear. The checker flags wording for review and does not know your evidence, your state or your platform's review. Read the limitations.
Sample wording, run through the checker
These are sentences written to contain the phrase, not real claims. Each ran through the real engine and the shipped rule-set when this site was built.
Our injectable program is clinically proven to work.
- Blocking
CG-EFF-001Efficacy and proof. Matched: “clinically proven”
Clinically proven weight loss, backed by science.
- Blocking
CG-EFF-001Efficacy and proof. Matched: “Clinically proven” - Warning
CG-PLT-012Platform policy. Matched: “weight loss” - Warning
CG-STA-010Outcome statistics. Matched: “backed by science”
Our facial is clinically proven to cut wrinkles in two weeks.
- Blocking
CG-EFF-001Efficacy and proof. Matched: “clinically proven”
What to say instead
This version came back with no rule fired:
Ask us about the research behind this treatment and what it did and did not show.
What the rules themselves suggest:
- CG-EFF-001 Cite the specific study (population, result, year) or say what the product contains instead.
- CG-PLT-012 Describe the clinical service (nutrition counselling, metabolic health visits) without weight-loss outcomes, or get Pinterest approval as a healthcare advertiser first.
- CG-STA-010 Cite the study, its size, its design and the result, and link the source. For a price comparison, name the comparison and keep proof on file.
The rules behind this answer
Reason, source and citation for each rule that fired, in the checker's own words. Blocking rules come first.
CG-EFF-001 · Blocks approval
Proof claims need competent and reliable scientific evidence, usually human clinical testing.
Source: FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance (2022); FTC Act section 5
Safer wording: Cite the specific study (population, result, year) or say what the product contains instead.
See source text · Needs counsel review
CG-PLT-012 · Warns · Citation checked against stored text
Pinterest allows no weight loss language or imagery in ads, with the exception of approved healthcare advertisers promoting prescription GLP-1 medication in the US and Canada. It also bars references to BMI, testimonials about weight loss, and weight loss procedures.
Source: Pinterest Advertising Guidelines (weight loss products and services)
Safer wording: Describe the clinical service (nutrition counselling, metabolic health visits) without weight-loss outcomes, or get Pinterest approval as a healthcare advertiser first.
Pinterest Advertising Guidelines
CG-STA-010 · Warns
Backed by science, a small unnamed trial, a named university study, and a comparative price all state a fact that needs a source. A vague appeal to science or a famous name implies more proof than the text shows.
Source: FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance; FTC Act section 5
Safer wording: Cite the study, its size, its design and the result, and link the source. For a price comparison, name the comparison and keep proof on file.
See source text · Needs counsel review
Background: Substantiation in the glossary.
Questions
Which rule covers proof claims?
Rule CG-EFF-001. The rule's reason: Proof claims need competent and reliable scientific evidence, usually human clinical testing.
What should I write instead?
The rule's own suggestion for rule CG-EFF-001: Cite the specific study (population, result, year) or say what the product contains instead.
If the checker shows nothing, can I publish?
No. A clean result means none of the checker's rules matched. It does not weigh your evidence, your state or your platform's review, and it is not legal advice. Read the limitations page for what it misses.
Next step
Check your own wording
Paste your copy into the free checker. Every flag names its rule and its source.