FDA Issues Warning to Matte Beauty Over Unapproved Chemical Peels

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently sent a warning letter to Matte Beauty, addressing what the agency described as significant regulatory violations regarding their chemical peel products.

According to the July 25 letter, the products in question include “TCA 100% Skin Peel,” “Lactic Acid 90%,” “Salicylic Acid 80%,” “Glycolic Acid 70%,” and “Modified Jessner Solution Peel 14%.” The FDA reviewed Matte Beauty’s website and Instagram accounts in March and April 2024 and found these products marketed with claims of treating various skin conditions, including acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and scars. According to the Agency, these claims classify the products as drugs under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), specifically section 201(g)(1). However, these products are unapproved new drugs, thus violating two sections of the FD&C Act.

The FDA emphasized the potential public health risks posed by these unapproved chemical peels and reported that it has received reports of adverse events, including burns, wounds, pain, swelling, and scarring, some of which necessitated emergency medical attention or surgical intervention.

"Such products pose a public health risk because they can cause skin injuries such as burns on the area of application, wounds, pain, swelling, and scarring," the FDA stated in the letter.

Matte Beauty was given fifteen working days to respond with corrective actions or to provide a rationale if they believe their products are not in violation. The FDA has warned that failure to address these concerns could result in legal action, including product seizure or injunctions.

Source: Food and Drug Administration letter. July 25, 2024.