Cosmetic Products With Claims of Miracles

Feb. 21, 2001 -- A gel that makes a woman's breasts firm? A better body by rubbing on some cream?

Claims like these are not uncommon at cosmetic counters, according to Paula Begoun, a former cosmetics clerk and author of Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me.

"The crazy things I hear at the cosmetics counter," she said, "it's astounding to me. And women believe it."

Not only do they believe it, but they spend $40 billion a year buying these magical potions that claim to have bottled the fountain of youth.

Primetime Investigates

Just what are clerks saying about the often pricey products they're peddling? To find out, PrimeTime Thursday sent four women ranging in age from their 30s to their 50s to dozens of cosmetic counters at major department stores in the New York area armed with hidden cameras.

A clerk at an Orlane counter claimed she had an $85 product that firms up breasts, calling the gel "the greatest achievement in the world." At a Clarins counter, a clerk actually said that Advanced Cellulite Control Cream won a Nobel Prize, (of course, such awards are given to scientists, peacemakers and economists and not awarded to beauty products).

Another Clarins clerk was selling "a certain oil that we make for pregnant women so you don't get stretch marks." And for $300 at a La Prairie counter, a little container of Luxe cream containing caviar was hyped as a way to actually prevent wrinkles.

Bogus Claims

Dr. Deborah Jaliman, a New York City dermatologist, said there's little science behind claims like these.

Asked about cellulite cream, she said, "You certainly can't lose weight other than cutting your food intake or exercising." Such creams can however "temporarily make your skin look better," she said. "It's going to last you a day or so and then you're going to have to reuse the product."

As for stretch mark miracles, Jaliman said, "There's no over-the-counter products that help stretch marks or prevent them."

Can caviar prevent wrinkles? "It's better on a cracker," said Begoun. "It ain't going to do nothing for your skin."

Companies Respond

Neither Clarins nor La Prairie would comment, but Orlane stood by its claims that its products improve the appearance of skin. The company did, however, acknowledge that its clerk had exaggerated the benefits, and she has since been retrained.

Begoun said, "Don't believe the hype! Price is not indicative of quality. Expensive products don't have some secret that isn't at the drug store. It's just not the way the industry works. There are good and bad products in all price ranges."

While a youthful face and a flawless complexion are desired by women worldwide, Begoun said, "Wasting money isn't pretty. Getting ripped off is not beautiful."

This story originally aired on Primetime Thursday on April 26, 2001.