Can I say it?
Can I say “detox” in a wellness clinic 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-RFA-003. Its reason: Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immune-restoring, detox or regenerative claims describe the treatment or mitigation of disease and are unapproved drug claims when made for a supplement, cosmetic or biologic.
Source the rule cites: FDCA 201(g)(1); 21 CFR 101.93(g); FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance
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.
Detox your body in 7 days.
- BlockingCG-RFA-003Disease claims. Matched: “Detox”
- Blocking
CG-DIS-007Disease claims. Matched: “Detox your body”
Our IV drip detox flushes out toxins.
- BlockingCG-RAF-008Efficacy and proof. Matched: “detox flushes out toxins”
- BlockingCG-RFA-003Disease claims. Matched: “detox”, “flushes out toxins”
- Blocking
CG-DIS-007Disease claims. Matched: “detox flushes out toxins”
A full-body detox that cleanses your liver.
- BlockingCG-RAF-008Efficacy and proof. Matched: “detox that cleanses your liver”
- BlockingCG-RFA-003Disease claims. Matched: “detox”
- Blocking
CG-DIS-007Disease claims. Matched: “detox that cleanses your liver”
What to say instead
This version came back with no rule fired:
Our IV menu includes hydration with vitamins. Book a visit to see what is on offer and what is known about it.
What the rules themselves suggest:
- CG-RAF-008 Remove claims that a product removes toxins or heavy metals or causes weight loss, or provide human studies of the finished product.
- CG-RFA-003 Remove anticancer, anti-inflammatory and regenerative claims. Do not describe the product as acting on disease processes.
- CG-DIS-007 Describe the actual product (ingredients, how to use it) without claiming it removes toxins.
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-RAF-008 · Blocks approval · Citation checked against stored text
Detox and cleanse products that claim to remove toxins or heavy metals or produce weight loss make unsubstantiated claims. Medical detoxification for addiction is excluded.
Source: FTC Act section 5 (FTC guidance on detox and cleanse claims); 21 CFR 101.93(g). UK ASA rulings are the origin of the pattern but UK law is out of scope.
Safer wording: Remove claims that a product removes toxins or heavy metals or causes weight loss, or provide human studies of the finished product.
21 CFR 101.93(g) · Needs counsel review
CG-RFA-003 · Blocks approval · Citation checked against stored text
Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immune-restoring, detox or regenerative claims describe the treatment or mitigation of disease and are unapproved drug claims when made for a supplement, cosmetic or biologic.
Source: FDCA 201(g)(1); 21 CFR 101.93(g); FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance
Safer wording: Remove anticancer, anti-inflammatory and regenerative claims. Do not describe the product as acting on disease processes.
21 CFR 101.93(g) · Needs counsel review
CG-DIS-007 · Blocks approval
Detox claims imply removal of toxins, which usually has no scientific support.
Source: FTC Act section 5; FTC Health Products Compliance Guidance
Safer wording: Describe the actual product (ingredients, how to use it) without claiming it removes toxins.
See source text · Needs counsel review
Background: Structure/function claim in the glossary.
Questions
Which rule covers body-cleansing claims?
Rule CG-RFA-003. It cites 21 CFR 101.93(g). The rule's reason: Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, immune-restoring, detox or regenerative claims describe the treatment or mitigation of disease and are unapproved drug claims when made for a supplement, cosmetic or biologic.
What should I write instead?
The rule's own suggestion for rule CG-RFA-003: Remove anticancer, anti-inflammatory and regenerative claims. Do not describe the product as acting on disease processes.
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.