Why Product Claims Matter
Why Claims Matter
When searching for skincare online, you may see products described as relieving eczema, healing wounds, reducing inflammation or clearing rashes. Those promises can sound reassuring, especially when they match a concern you are trying to manage.
But if you bought a product because of a strong claim and it did not meet your expectations, that could feel disappointing.
In New Zealand, this type of wording does more than shape marketing. It can affect a product’s regulatory classification and whether it is considered to have a therapeutic purpose.
Under New Zealand medicines legislation and cosmetic regulations, a product presented as preventing, treating, curing or alleviating a disease, ailment or injury may have a therapeutic purpose. This can affect the regulatory requirements that apply to it.
What That Means for Eckco
We present Eckco products as cosmetics: plant-based oils, balms and bath soaks made for use on the skin.
We do not present them as medicines or treatments for medical conditions.
That is why you will not see us say our products reduce inflammation, treat eczema, clear rashes or heal wounds.
These are examples of therapeutic claims. Using that language could affect how a product is categorised and shift the focus away from the product itself towards claims about medical effects.
We also do not want to suggest that an oil or balm can replace medical advice or prescribed treatment. If you are dealing with a persistent, severe or concerning skin issue, please speak with a health professional.
How We Describe Our Products
Instead of making treatment claims, we focus on clear, practical information about the product itself:
- What it is, such as a balm, body oil, face oil or bath soak.
- The full ingredient list.
- Whether it contains added fragrance, essential oils or vanilla.
- How it feels on the skin and how to use it.
- How it may fit into a minimal daily skincare routine.
We talk about skin in general terms, such as dry, tight, rough, flaky, irritated, sensitive or dull-looking.
We describe the texture of a product, how it is used and the type of routine it may suit. We do not present our products as treatments for named medical conditions.
This gives you clear information about what you are buying without wording that could give a product a therapeutic purpose or affect how it is categorised.
Why This Matters to You
Strong treatment claims can make it difficult to separate marketing from information that is supported by evidence.
If a product does not deliver on a large promise, you may be left out of pocket and still dealing with the original concern.
We would rather be clear about how we present our products and what they are not. Eckco products are marketed as cosmetics, not as medicines or treatments for medical conditions.
If you need support for a specific skin condition, please speak with a pharmacist or doctor. If you are looking for minimal, transparent skincare for your everyday routine, that is where Eckco fits in.
Further information: For background on how claims affect product presentation in New Zealand, see Medsafe’s guidance on categorisation of products and the Cosmetic Products Group Standard administered by the EPA.