Today's post is in response to legal threats levelled at some of the science-smart accounts I follow on Instagram. When one person called out a natural brand marketing an uncoated-zinc oxide powder as a "sun reflector" to mix into skincare, the company threatened to sue. Another person called a different brand out for suspect claims, such as "broccoli sprout extract" as a defense against sun exposure, and was notified that a lawsuit has been filed. . But what about freedom of speech? And truth? Turns out that both are damned tricky because lawyers. In prep for this post, a group of us (#cantsuescience) checked in with someone with enough legal background to offer basic advice (see slideshow). It's not the same as consulting a lawyer if someone's threatening to sue, but it should help. . Most high-profile companies, especially legacy types with a heritage and massive profile, do tend to follow the rules and regulations because it's in their best interests to do no cosmetic harm. But some make unwitting mistakes and slip through the regulation cracks, perhaps due to lack of experience or inadequate research etc. Either way, we have to feel safe enough to share honest reviews and opinions. The best advice I can offer as someone who is NOT a lawyer, is BE CAREFUL. . Our work is also only as good as our sources of information. A brand that says everyone else is wrong and then tries to sell us something isn't a great source of unbiased info and/or facts. . The following is my own list of credible experts – scientists, chemists, doctors, estheticians – on Insta, and I’ve tagged 15 more favourites; it's a start. . @theecowell @dr.ginza @labmuffinbeautyscience @skinperspective @thecosmeticregulator @cyrille_laurent @carolinehirons @charlotteparler @lepamperedpig @annikacoherent @vetcosmetic @ranellamd @theskincaresaviour @drsomaskin @draegeanchan @theformulatorsdiary @28dayskin @sciencemeetscosmetics @foodsciencebabe @dermatology_demystified @maximumskin . #cantsuescience #misniformation #slappsuit #formulation #sciencenotfear #skincare #cosmeticscience #cosmeticchemistry #chemistry #cosmeticclaims #cosmeticregulations #scicomm #beautyscicomm #Beautygeeks (at Canada) https://www.instagram.com/p/CG2i6iMBz-T/?igshid=1qftkn9np7gnn
