“Clinically Proven” on Skin Care Products: What Does It Mean?

The skin care aisle can be an overwhelming place to shop. Tons of brands offer a wide range of products categorized by goals and skin types. Many also have claims that they are “clinically proven.” That may sound promising, but what does it mean?

Unfortunately, “clinically proven” is not as reassuring as it sounds. You might believe that this phrase means the product went through rigorous testing and clinical trials, and then received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Spoiler alert: This is not the case.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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