Banned and Restricted Terms
Keywords and phrases that are banned or restricted in Lactigo marketing and communications.
2026 edition · Version 1.0 · 2026.03.06 · LactiGo Inc.
These terms could violate Lactigo's advertising policies or U.S. FTC/FDA regulations if used in social media content, influencer scripts, print collateral, or during virtual or in-person pitches. The list is grouped by category, with each entry including the term or phrase, its category, and a brief explanation of why it's problematic.
These words are not banned because they are detectable. They are banned because the claims behind them are not true of our product. Lactigo has not demonstrated, and is not approved to state, that it does these things.
It follows that a synonym is banned on exactly the same grounds — as is an image, an emoji, a hashtag, or a testimonial that carries the same meaning. This is a list of claims we cannot make, illustrated by the words that most often make them. Avoiding the word while intending the claim is not compliance; it is the same violation in different clothes.
Medical & disease claims
Terms that directly reference specific diseases or medical conditions are prohibited. Using these implies that Lactigo can treat, cure, prevent, or mitigate a disease or condition — an unapproved drug claim that violates FDA/FTC laws.
Lactigo with Menthol is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug and its labeling claims must strictly conform with an FDA OTC drug monograph and FDA/FTC OTC drug labeling requirements. FDA-approved claims for the Lactigo with Menthol gel are limited to its identity and intended use as a topical analgesic, and it is not approved as a medication for any of the diseases or conditions listed below; further, such claims are not substantiated.
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| Banned term or phrase | Why it's a problem |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Implies the product treats or prevents diabetes (disease claim). Not FDA approved for this purpose. |
| Cancer | Suggests a cure or treatment for cancer. This is an unapproved drug/therapeutic claim. |
| Psoriasis | Implies the product can treat a skin disease (psoriasis) — an unapproved medical claim. |
| Stroke | Suggests prevention or treatment of stroke. Lactigo cannot claim to affect stroke recovery or risk. |
| Arthritis | Implies relief or treatment of arthritis or joint disease. Not an approved claim (drug-like). |
| Hypertension / high blood pressure | Indicates it can lower blood pressure — an unapproved medical claim. |
| Cardiovascular disease / heart disease | Implies benefits for heart or circulatory disease. No substantiation; considered a drug claim. |
| Inflammation | Implies anti-inflammatory effect on the body. That's a medical claim — only drugs can claim it. |
| Dermatitis / eczema / skin issues | Suggests treating skin conditions. Lactigo is not approved to treat dermatological diseases. |
| Anxiety / depression | Implies it affects mental health conditions. Mood or anxiety disorder treatment claims are prohibited. |
| Migraine / headache | Suggests it can relieve migraines or headaches — a medical claim not backed by evidence. |
| Immune system / “boost immune” | Implies it can boost or support the immune system, effectively a health claim requiring scientific substantiation (not provided). |
| Alzheimer's (or other dementias) | Suggests effect on Alzheimer's or dementia. This is a disease claim — the product is not proven for cognitive diseases. |
| Constipation / diarrhea | Implies it can relieve digestive issues. These are disease or condition claims that are not allowed. |
| “Fight virus” / viral infections | Implies antiviral properties (for example against colds or COVID-19). This is a drug claim and is not permitted. |
| COVID-19 / corona | Suggests prevention or cure of COVID-19. Absolutely disallowed without drug approval. |
| Hashimoto's / thyroid disease | Implies treating thyroid disorders (like Hashimoto's thyroiditis) — a prohibited medical claim. |
| “Cure” / “heal” (any disease) | Explicit cure or healing claims — prohibited, as they imply guaranteed treatment of a disease. |
| “Anti-cancer” / “cancer prevention” | Suggests it prevents cancer — a serious health and disease prevention claim that is an unapproved drug claim. |
| “Anti-inflammatory” | Implies it reduces inflammation in the body, which is an unapproved drug claim. Only approved drugs can claim to treat inflammation. |
| “Antibacterial” / “antiviral” | Claims to kill bacteria or viruses. This suggests a medicinal or disinfectant property that Lactigo doesn't have approval or evidence for. |
| Other specific diseases or conditions (ADD/ADHD, asthma, PCOS, fibromyalgia, Parkinson's, obesity, stroke, and so on) | Any direct disease reference implies diagnosing, treating, or preventing that condition. Such claims would classify Lactigo as an unapproved drug. |
Functional claims (physiological / performance effects)
These are terms that claim a specific functional benefit or bodily effect that is not adequately substantiated. Using such phrases overstates the product's capabilities or suggests drug-like mechanisms. They raise regulatory red flags because they imply unproven treatment or physiological effects.
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| Banned term or phrase | Why it's a problem |
|---|---|
| “Anti-aging” | Implies it can reverse aging or have drug-like anti-aging effects. Not supported by evidence for a cosmetic product. |
| “Boosts immune system” / “immune support” | Implies it will strengthen the immune system. This is an unapproved drug claim. |
| “Burns fat” / “fat-burning” | Suggests it causes weight or fat loss — an unapproved drug claim. |
| “Clinically proven” (unqualified) | Asserts that efficacy is proven in clinical trials. Problematic if not backed by valid scientific evidence, including statistically significant clinical studies peer-reviewed by experts; it misleads consumers into thinking the claim is scientifically settled when it may not be. |
| “Cure” / “cures” (any condition) | Any claim to cure an ailment is prohibited. It overstates the product's effect and is considered false or unsubstantiated — only FDA-approved drugs can claim to cure diseases. |
| “Detox” / “cleanse” (for example, liver cleanse) | Implies it removes toxins or cleanses organs. Such detox claims are not scientifically grounded for this product and imply unproven health benefits. |
| “Drug-like” claims (general) | Any statement implying Lactigo acts like a drug in the body. This could include language about diagnosing, treating, preventing disease, or significantly altering body functions. |
| Pain relief claims for the non-menthol product | Claims that it relieves pain are not allowed for the non-menthol version. Pain relief is only associated with menthol's known effect, and even then must be carefully worded. |
| “Prevents disease” / prevention claims | States or strongly suggests disease prevention. This crosses into drug claim territory and is not permissible for a cosmetic without regulatory approval. |
| “Proven by studies” (without solid substantiation) | Asserts that “studies prove” a claim without providing robust, qualified evidence. Overreaching scientific validation can mislead consumers and draw regulator scrutiny. |
| “Reduces illness” | Implies general sickness reduction. This is a broad health claim suggesting fewer illnesses, which is not substantiated and not allowed for marketing a topical product. |
| “Weight loss” / “rapid weight loss” | Claims of causing weight loss. Such claims are heavily regulated and require proof; a topical athletic gel cannot legitimately promise weight loss. |
| “Safe in pregnancy” | States or implies the product is proven safe for pregnant women. This is risky because it suggests clinical safety endorsement; unless formally tested and approved for pregnancy, it cannot be advertised as such. |
| “Fungicidal” | Implies it kills fungus or treats fungal infections — a medicinal claim without evidence or regulatory approval. |
Systemic & delivery language
These phrases describe how the product supposedly works in the body (delivery or absorption claims). They are restricted because they imply the product penetrates the body like a drug or medical device, which has not been substantiated or approved by regulators.
Lactigo with Menthol is marketed as an OTC drug (topical analgesic) and Lactigo without menthol is marketed as a topical cosmetic. We cannot claim it enters the bloodstream or systemically delivers active ingredients.
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| Banned term or phrase | Why it's a problem |
|---|---|
| “Gets into the bloodstream” | Implies the ingredients enter systemic circulation. This makes it sound like a drug delivering active compounds through the blood — an unproven mechanism claim. |
| “Improves circulation” | Suggests a systemic effect on blood circulation. This is a medical claim that isn't backed by scientific substantiation or regulatory approval. |
| “Systemic delivery” | Explicitly states the product delivers ingredients systemically. This is not supported and would classify it as a drug delivery claim. |
| “Transdermal delivery” | Claims that Lactigo's ingredients are delivered through the skin into the body. We are not allowed to speak to transdermal delivery — it implies the product works like a medicated patch or drug, which is not an approved claim. |
| “Medical device” claims | Any implication that Lactigo functions like a medical device (for example, affecting structure or function of the body with a mechanical or non-chemical mode of action). This misclassifies the product and is not permitted without regulatory clearance or approval. |
Lifestyle claims
These phrases are lifestyle or freedom-related promises commonly used in network marketing hype. They are banned because they exaggerate the benefits of the business opportunity or product in a way that is typically misleading or not guaranteed. Such claims can attract regulatory scrutiny for overpromising life-changing outcomes — the FTC and, in Canada, the Competition Bureau both focus on these.
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| Banned term or phrase | Why it's a problem |
|---|---|
| “Work from anywhere” (without heavy qualification) | Implies a guaranteed freedom to work remotely with ease. This can mislead recruits into thinking the opportunity automatically allows an easy remote lifestyle. |
| “Set your own hours and make unlimited money” | Overstates both flexibility and earning potential. Suggests you can choose hours and get rich — an unrealistic combination without caveats. |
| “No selling required, money comes automatically” | Implies passive income with no effort. This is false and misleading — in direct sales, selling is required and income is never automatic. |
| “Fire your boss” / “quit your job” | Encourages quitting one's job because this opportunity will replace it. This is a red-flag promise of financial freedom that is not assured, and could be seen as an illegal income claim if not typical. |
| “Unlimited wealth opportunity” | Implies boundless wealth is attainable for anyone joining. Regulators view this as an unrealistic lifestyle claim requiring income disclosures. |
| “All-expenses-paid lifestyle” | Suggests the business will cover all your expenses or fund a luxury lifestyle. This is a lifestyle fantasy not grounded in average results, and deceptive if presented as typical. |
| “Free trip” / “paid vacation” | Implies that by joining or promoting, you'll earn free vacations. While trips might be incentives, promising them broadly is misleading if not qualified by actual program rules. |
| “Get out of debt” / “debt free” | Encourages the idea that the opportunity will eliminate debt. Becoming debt-free is not a typical or guaranteed outcome, and making this promise could be an illegal earnings claim without disclaimers. |
Financial & income language
These terms describe specific income promises or financial outcomes. They are banned because they constitute earnings claims that are often unsubstantiated in MLM contexts. Overpromising income potential is heavily scrutinized by the FTC. Any numerical guarantees or implications of assured income fall into this category and must be avoided.
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| Banned term or phrase | Why it's a problem |
|---|---|
| “Residual income” / “passive income” | Implies you will earn ongoing income with minimal ongoing work. This is often not typical and can be deceptive if not true for most participants. |
| “Unlimited income” / “unlimited and permanent income” | Suggests no ceiling on earnings, possibly continuing indefinitely. This is unrealistic and not representative of actual results — a hallmark of deceptive income promises. |
| “Full-time income” | Implies the opportunity reliably pays the equivalent of a full-time job. This overstates average earnings and encourages quitting other employment without guarantee. |
| “Earn $1,000 per week” (any specific dollar amount) | A numeric earnings guarantee. Income guarantees are not allowed — they are rarely achievable by all and would require proof that this is typical, which is usually impossible. |
| “Income beyond expectations” | Vague but grandiose promise of exceptionally high earnings. Implies you'll make more money than you ever thought, which is unsubstantiated hype. |
| “Opportunity that can generate respectable monthly profits” | States that the business can produce solid monthly profits. This is still an earnings claim and is problematic without very clear, truthful qualifiers and average earnings data. |
| “Financial independence” / “financial freedom” | Implies one can become financially independent or free of financial worries. This is a classic MLM promise that is not realistic for most and constitutes an unsubstantiated earnings or lifestyle claim. |
| “Replace your full-time job income” | Suggests the income will replace a normal full-time salary. This encourages quitting a job on the promise of MLM income — highly risky, not guaranteed, and flagged by regulators. |
| “All expenses paid” (in an income context) | Implies the business will cover all your expenses, or that earnings will be so high that all expenses are easily paid. Overhypes financial outcomes — not typical and therefore misleading. |
| “Debt free” (as an outcome of income) | Suggests joining will allow someone to pay off all debts. This is a substantial financial outcome that is not typical; making this claim without proof is considered deceptive. |
MLM-style recruiting phrases
These are recruitment-centric phrases that focus on enrollment and downline growth over product. They are red flags for implying a get-rich-quick or purely recruitment-driven scheme. Such language can indicate an illegal pyramid emphasis — compensation from recruiting instead of sales. These phrases are banned to keep messaging compliant and product-focused.
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| Banned term or phrase | Why it's a problem |
|---|---|
| “Sign up and earn instantly” | Implies immediate earnings just for signing up. This is misleading — no one earns money instantly without effort or sales, and promises like this trigger regulatory warnings of a possible pyramid scheme. |
| “Get paid just for recruiting” | Explicitly says you earn money purely by recruiting others. This is typically illegal — compensation must come from product sales, not mere recruitment — and should never be stated. |
| “Your downline will pay for your lifestyle” | Implies that once you recruit a team, their work or fees will fund your lifestyle. This promotes a pyramid-like message that you don't personally need to sell product — very problematic and false. |
| Any emphasis on recruitment over product (for example, “build an army of distributors and watch the money roll in”) | Overstates the ease and profit of recruitment. Such phrasing de-emphasizes customer sales and is likely to be seen as promoting a pyramid scheme structure, which is not allowed. Focus should remain on product value, not recruiting. |
Regulatory claims
These are claims about the regulatory environment in which Lactigo's products operate.
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| Banned term or phrase | Why it's a problem | Use instead |
|---|---|---|
| “FDA approved” (for non-menthol) | Cosmetics are not FDA-approved. | n/a |
| “FDA approved” (for menthol) | Lactigo with Menthol is marketed as an external analgesic drug product for over-the-counter (OTC) human use. FDA has not reviewed or approved the product. | Lactigo with Menthol is available as an OTC topical analgesic. |
| “GRAS certified” or “made with GRAS ingredients” | GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) is a food law concept. It comes from the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, but applies to substances intended for use in food. GRAS status does not apply to cosmetic topical products and must not be used in marketing. It is not a legal standard for cosmetics. | All ingredients are permitted for cosmetic use. |
Adapting this list for international markets
When expanding to international markets like the EU or Canada, this list of banned terms should be adapted to local regulations and cultural context.
- Regulatory equivalents: replace U.S.-specific terms like “FDA regulated” with local counterparts. In Canada, it would be illegal to say “Health Canada regulated” without actual approval; in the EU one might falsely say “CE certified” or claim EFSA-approved health claims without authorization — all equally problematic. Ensure certification and approval phrases are relevant to each jurisdiction's agencies and only used if actually true.
- Health claim regulations: many countries have even stricter rules on health and functional claims. The EU's EFSA regulations only allow specific approved health claims on products. A phrase like “boosts immune system” might be explicitly disallowed in the EU unless it's an approved claim for an ingredient. Re-categorize the product appropriately (cosmetic, supplement, and so on) per local law and adjust which functional claims, if any, are permitted. In Canada, if Lactigo were a Natural Health Product with a licence, certain claims might be allowed; if it's a cosmetic, you must stick to cosmetic claims.
- Income and lifestyle claims: the spirit of avoiding deceptive income and lifestyle promises is global, but enforcement can vary. Canada, for instance, explicitly targets lifestyle claims — not just income claims — in MLM advertising. Phrases about luxury goods or quitting jobs are scrutinized just as much as income figures. Europe's consumer protection laws likewise ban misleading earnings claims. Always include appropriate disclaimers and truthful, average earnings data if any income implication is made, as required by local law.
- Cultural and language differences: phrases that resonate or mislead in one region may differ in another. Terms like “financial freedom” translate conceptually, but local slang for easy money or lifestyle might need to be added to the banned list in each language. Also consider local sensitivities — health claims about “arthritis” versus “joint pain” might be regulated differently in some countries, or certain supplement ingredients have different allowed claims in Canada versus the EU.
In summary, the core categories remain relevant internationally. Medical and disease claims and unproven functional claims are universally risky, and income or lifestyle hype is widely regulated. However, the specific trigger words and regulatory standards vary by jurisdiction. The list should be reviewed by local compliance experts to add or adjust terms — especially in the certification/approval and financial/lifestyle categories — to ensure full compliance with each market's advertising laws.