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Can I say it?

Can I say “FDA approved” in a med spa ad?

It depends. 3 rules fired across 3 sample sentences, and the checker's own text explains why.

The short answer

It depends. The bare phrase draws a warning, not a block. Add a few more words around it and the checker blocks it: 1 of 3 samples below hit a blocking rule. The first rule it hits is CG-REG-001. Its reason: Dietary supplements and most services cannot be FDA approved. For a drug or device the claim must be true, specific to the product and use, and sourced.

Source the rule cites: FDCA 505 (drug approval) and 510(k)/PMA (devices); FDA promotional labeling and advertising rules; FTC Act section 5

Checked as an ad promoting a drug or device. Context changes the result. The same samples hit these blocking rules: 1 in a drug or device ad, 2 in a supplement ad, 1 in a clinical service ad.

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.

Sample 1 · actual checker output1 rule fired

FDA approved laser treatment.

  • WarningCG-REG-001Regulatory status. Matched: “FDA approved”
Sample 2 · actual checker output3 rules fired

Approved by the FDA for weight loss.

  • BlockingCG-REG-008Regulatory status. Matched: “Approved by the FDA”
  • WarningCG-PLT-012Platform policy. Matched: “weight loss”
  • WarningCG-REG-001Regulatory status. Matched: “Approved by the FDA”
Sample 3 · actual checker output1 rule fired

Our FDA approved serum erases wrinkles.

  • WarningCG-REG-001Regulatory status. Matched: “FDA approved”

What to say instead

This version came back with no rule fired:

This laser has FDA clearance for specific uses. Ask us which uses and read the device labeling.

Actual checker output: no rule fired. It still has to be true for your business.

What the rules themselves suggest:

  • CG-REG-008 Remove any suggestion of agency endorsement. State only a specific, verifiable status, such as an FDA clearance number, with the source.
  • 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-REG-001 For an approved drug or cleared device, name the product, the cleared use and the FDA record number. For a supplement, remove it.

The rules behind this answer

Reason, source and citation for each rule that fired, in the checker's own words. Blocking rules come first.

  1. CG-REG-008 · Blocks approval · Citation checked against stored text

    Claiming that a government agency approved, endorsed or inspected a product or plan creates a false impression of official backing.

    Source: FTC Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR Part 255; Lanham Act 43(a), 15 U.S.C. 1125(a); 42 CFR 422.2263

    Safer wording: Remove any suggestion of agency endorsement. State only a specific, verifiable status, such as an FDA clearance number, with the source.

    42 CFR 422.2263, 16 CFR Part 255, 15 U.S.C. 1125 · Needs counsel review

  2. 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

  3. CG-REG-001 · Blocks approval

    Dietary supplements and most services cannot be FDA approved. For a drug or device the claim must be true, specific to the product and use, and sourced.

    Source: FDCA 505 (drug approval) and 510(k)/PMA (devices); FDA promotional labeling and advertising rules; FTC Act section 5

    Safer wording: For an approved drug or cleared device, name the product, the cleared use and the FDA record number. For a supplement, remove it.

    See source text · Needs counsel review

Background: Off-label promotion in the glossary.

Questions

Which rule covers FDA approval claims?

Rule CG-REG-001. The rule's reason: Dietary supplements and most services cannot be FDA approved. For a drug or device the claim must be true, specific to the product and use, and sourced.

What should I write instead?

The rule's own suggestion for rule CG-REG-001: For an approved drug or cleared device, name the product, the cleared use and the FDA record number. For a supplement, remove it.

Does the answer change for a drug, a supplement or a service?

Context changes the result. The same samples hit these blocking rules: 1 in a drug or device ad, 2 in a supplement ad, 1 in a clinical service ad. Pick the type that matches what you promote when you run the checker.

Next step

Check your own wording

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