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FTC Busts Sunday Riley Skincare For Fake Sephora Reviews, But Not All Its Commissioners Are Satisfied

 
• By Ryan Nelson

For close to two years, Sunday Riley management allegedly led a company-wide practice of posting glowing reviews of its products on Sephora.com without proper disclosures. The company is barred from repeating such conduct under terms reached with the FTC, but two dissenting commissioners say the settlement falls short of what’s needed to address a growing problem.

Five Star Rating with person holding a white smartphone - Image

“Credibility is key to the reviews!” management at Sunday Riley Modern Skincare, LLC reminded employees repeatedly while instructing them on how to review the company's products positively on Sephora.com using fake accounts to hide their identities.

So says the US Federal Trade Commission in its complaint against the Houston, TX-based company, which has agreed to settle with the agency, albeit without admitting wrongdoing.

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More from United States

Some Laid Off Employees Called Back At US FDA

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

Some FDA employees who were recently laid off by the Trump Administration are being called back to work, multiple sources confirmed to the Pink Sheet.

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Washington State TFCA Violators Likely To Face Conversation Before Penalties – DOE

 
• By Eileen Francis

The Washington State Department of Ecology will try to work with companies that violate the Toxic Free Cosmetics Act, rather than reflexively imposing the $5,000-per-violation fine for first-time offenders, says the law’s implementation planner. She noted financial assistance is available for small businesses, as well as incentives for companies adopting measures “beyond compliance.”

More from North America

Washington State TFCA Violators Likely To Face Conversation Before Penalties – DOE

 
• By Eileen Francis

The Washington State Department of Ecology will try to work with companies that violate the Toxic Free Cosmetics Act, rather than reflexively imposing the $5,000-per-violation fine for first-time offenders, says the law’s implementation planner. She noted financial assistance is available for small businesses, as well as incentives for companies adopting measures “beyond compliance.”

Adcomm Reform: Getting Needed Information More Important Than Vote Or Discussion

 
• By Derrick Gingery

US FDA Office of New Drugs Director Peter Stein says review divisions have made the case that a discussion-only meeting would solicit the necessary input.

US FDA’s Petition Procedures No Place For OTC Acetaminophen Pediatric Dosing Enforcement

 
• By Malcolm Spicer

Requests for “enforcement actions are not within the scope of FDA’s citizen petition procedures,” CDER says, rejecting petition dosing device firm Parenteral Technologies submitted as it prepares for workshop on Pediatric Research Equity Act requirements for OTC NDA sponsors.