Pennsylvania Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which regulation oversees the promotion and advertising of cosmetics and similar products?

1. FTC

2. FDA

3. EPA

4. OSHA

The correct answer is: FTC

The regulation that oversees the promotion and advertising of cosmetics and similar products is primarily conducted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This agency is responsible for preventing deceptive and unfair business practices, including those related to advertising accurate information about cosmetics. The FTC ensures that claims made in advertisements for cosmetics are truthful and substantiated, thus protecting consumers from misleading marketing practices. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the safety and labeling of cosmetics, including ingredient safety, the FDA does not govern how cosmetics are advertised or promoted. Thus, it primarily focuses on ensuring that products are safe for consumer use rather than on advertising practices. Other agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have specific regulatory scopes that do not deal with cosmetics advertising. Therefore, the FTC is the correct answer in this context.