What regulatory body ensures ethical advertising practices in the beauty industry?

The correct answer is the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which plays a vital role in promoting fair competition and protecting consumers in the marketplace, including the beauty industry. The FTC regulates advertising practices to ensure that they are truthful, not misleading, and substantiated by evidence. This is crucial because consumers rely on advertising to make informed choices about beauty products and services. The FTC enforces laws against false advertising and deceptive marketing practices, ensuring that businesses do not engage in misleading claims about their products.

In contrast, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the safety and efficacy of cosmetics and personal care products but does not specifically oversee advertising practices. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is primarily concerned with regulating securities markets and protecting investors, which does not pertain to advertising in the beauty industry. Lastly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focuses on environmental protection and regulating pollution rather than directly overseeing advertising practices within the beauty sector. Thus, the FTC is the appropriate regulatory body responsible for overseeing ethical advertising practices in the beauty industry.