Attack on 'misleading' labelling

Claims such as "dermatologically tested" on cosmetics, toiletries and some washing powders are confusing and potentially misleading, a consumer magazine said today.

Health Which?, published by the Consumers Association, said labels stating "dermatologically tested" or "dermatologist approved" implied a product had reached a certain level of safety or effectiveness.

But there were no industry-wide definitions setting out how a product must be tested and the results needed before a company could make such a claim.

The magazine called for a standard definition for such claims and more openness from manufacturers.