Lactigo
Compliance

Affiliate Compliance Handbook

Partnering for success and integrity.

Version 1.0 · 2026.03.06 · LactiGo Inc.

Welcome

Welcome to the Lactigo Affiliate Compliance Handbook — a comprehensive guide to help you share Lactigo products safely, honestly, and effectively. This handbook is designed to stand alone as a training resource you can use and share with your team. Our goal is to educate and coach you on compliance standards (FTC, FDA, DSA, DSSRC) without an overly strict or legalistic tone. Think of these guidelines as supportive guardrails that protect your business and our brand, ensuring we all thrive in a fair, trustworthy way.

Why compliance matters

In today's direct-selling world, regulators pay close attention to product and income claims. A single misleading post could cause problems for you and the company. But compliance isn't about punishment — it's about partnership. By following these best practices, you protect your own business from legal risks and help maintain a level playing field for all affiliates. Plus, when we represent Lactigo with honesty and integrity, customers trust us more — and that's good for everyone's success.

How to use this guide

We've broken down the rules into four key areas you'll encounter in promoting Lactigo:

  1. Product claims & language — what you can and cannot say about Lactigo's products, especially the differences between the menthol and non-menthol versions.
  2. Income & lifestyle claims — how to talk about the business opportunity without making improper earnings or lifestyle promises.
  3. Testimonials & endorsements — the do's and don'ts of using personal stories, customer testimonials, and influencer posts, including how to structure testimonials, required disclosures, and avoiding liability for unverified claims.
  4. Digital hygiene & best practices — tips for social media and online conduct: spotting red flags, responding to comments, and avoiding accidental endorsements of improper claims.

Throughout each section we include quick checklists, “say this instead of that” phrasing tips, and copy-and-paste caption starters to help you create compliant content easily. Feel free to use these in your own team training.

Let's get started on keeping your promotion of Lactigo exciting, honest, and 100% compliant. The Lactigo Compliance Team is here to support you. Thank you for being our partner in success and integrity.

1. Product claims & language: menthol vs. non-menthol

Know your product types. Lactigo offers two formulations — one with menthol and one without. Understanding the difference is critical for compliance, because what you can say about each product is not the same.

  • Lactigo with Menthol — contains menthol as an active ingredient and is classified as an OTC (over-the-counter) topical analgesic. That means it's legally allowed to provide temporary relief of minor aches and pains (like muscle soreness) when used as directed. Menthol gives us a bit of leeway to talk about relief — but with very strict limits.
  • Lactigo without Menthol — classified strictly as a cosmetic product, not a drug. It has no FDA-recognized active ingredient for pain. We cannot make any claims that it relieves pain or affects the body's structure or function. Focus only on cosmetic or sensory benefits: how it feels on the skin, how it fits into your routine. Think of the non-menthol gel as providing personal self-care and conditioning, not medical relief.
Rule #1

Menthol is for relief; non-menthol is for self-care. Always keep this distinction clear and never “cross the streams” by attributing a relief or pain claim to the non-menthol product.

1.1 Non-menthol — what not to say

When promoting the non-menthol Lactigo gel (the cosmetic formula), avoid any language that suggests medical or therapeutic effects.

Prohibited for non-menthol
  • Any disease or condition name — arthritis, tendonitis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and so on. Never claim Lactigo treats, prevents, cures, or helps any specific medical condition.
  • “Cure,” “heal,” “treat,” “prevent” — absolutely not allowed. Even “heals sore muscles” or “treats fatigue” is off-limits. The non-menthol gel is not a medicine.
  • “Relieve” / “relief” / “pain” / “soreness” — big red-flag words for a cosmetic product. Using them would instantly misbrand the product as a drug in the eyes of the FDA.
  • Implying any body function change — avoid “reduces inflammation,” “improves circulation,” “blocks lactic acid,” or “repairs muscles.”
  • “Scientifically / clinically proven to do X” — steer clear of “proven to X” language unless the company has explicitly provided a claim with substantiation.
  • Promises of specific performance gains — “boosts endurance by 15%” or “makes you faster instantly.” The non-menthol gel, being cosmetic, should not be marketed with hard performance stats.

In short: if it sounds like something a drug would do, or a miracle fix, don't say it. When in doubt, leave it out.

Safe for non-menthol
  • Sensations: “soothing on the skin,” “refreshing feel,” “invigorating tingle.” This describes the user experience rather than a medical effect.
  • Comfort & routine: “make it part of your cool-down routine,” “part of my evening wind-down,” “helps my legs feel refreshed for tomorrow's activity.” Words like comfort, relaxation, and recovery routine are acceptable as long as they're tied to your routine and you don't say what exactly is being “recovered.”
  • Appearance & skin benefits: “non-greasy,” “absorbs quickly into the skin surface,” “hydrates skin,” “smooths the appearance of skin tone where applied,” “gives the appearance of calm skin.” Focus on hydrating, moisturizing, firming, toning, conditioning, or improving the appearance of the skin.
  • General wellness framing: “designed for an active lifestyle,” “helps you stay ready for action,” “keeps me feeling on top of my game.” Be careful these don't creep into structure/function claims.

Caption starter (non-menthol)

“Just wrapped up my yoga session and treated myself to Lactigo's soothing gel — love that cooling, refreshed feeling on my legs! It's become my favorite post-workout self-care ritual.”

This focuses on the feel and routine benefit — cooling, refreshed, self-care — without mentioning pain, cure, or any banned terms.

1.2 Menthol — what's allowed (and still not allowed)

With the menthol version we have a bit more leeway, because this formula is designed and classified to help with minor aches. Menthol's analgesic properties mean you can mention relief — but only in very specific, limited ways.

  • You may talk about temporary relief of minor muscle aches or soreness, since menthol is an FDA-recognized ingredient for that purpose. Always include a qualifier like “temporary” or “minor.” For example: “Provides temporary relief of minor muscle aches after exercise.”
  • Stick to general descriptions of aches and pains, not specific diseases or injuries. It's acceptable to say “soothes sore muscles,” “provides temporary relief of minor aches from a tough workout,” or “eases minor muscle soreness.”
On naming conditions

The OTC monograph permits references to providing temporary relief from pain and aches associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains. However, when referencing arthritis, it is only in the context of the product providing temporary relief for pain and aches associated with arthritis, and not in a manner that suggests the product is intended to treat, cure, or prevent arthritis.

Lactigo's policy is to avoid naming medical conditions whenever possible to minimize regulatory scrutiny.

  • You can touch on performance and recovery in relation to pain relief, carefully. “Provides relief while your body recovers during and after athletic activity” can be acceptable because menthol temporarily relieves joint and muscle pain during recovery. Always make it about the menthol doing its job of providing temporary pain relief, not some magical property of the gel. Note that claims the product improves athletic performance are structure/function claims the FDA could consider unapproved drug claims.
Never, even with menthol
  • Overstatements and cure claims: “eliminates pain,” “cures injuries,” “takes all your pain away,” “no more pain ever.” The menthol gel does not cure any injury or chronic condition — we can only claim temporary relief.
  • Substitution for medical care: don't say “skip the doctor, just use Lactigo,” or anything implying it fixes serious issues.
  • Disease claims: you cannot say the menthol gel treats a disease. Menthol helps with symptomatic relief of minor aches; it doesn't cure underlying conditions.
  • Broad safety claims: avoid “safe for everyone” or “no side effects.” Never suggest it's safe for something like pregnancy unless the company has explicitly said so (it has not). Avoid recommending use beyond label directions (3 to 4 times daily) or over large areas of the body.
Safe for menthol
  • Use the magic words “temporary” and “minor” whenever you mention relief.
  • Emphasize soothing and cooling: “cooling menthol sensation that comforts tired muscles,” “menthol-infused gel that soothes muscle soreness after exercise.”
  • Link relief to recovery, modestly: “Menthol helps take the edge off soreness, so I can recover and get back to activity.” Don't extrapolate beyond that — “relief during recovery” is fine; “build muscle faster” or “heal injuries faster” is not.
  • Mention active ingredients factually: “contains 1.25% menthol for analgesic relief,” or “menthol formula.”
  • Leverage approved label language. If the label says “temporarily relieves minor muscle and joint pain,” you can use that phrasing in full — it's been vetted. But don't improvise new medical claims beyond the approved ones.

Caption starter (menthol)

“Leg day — and thank goodness for Lactigo Menthol! This gel provides temporary relief for my post-workout aches and gives a nice cooling tingle. It's not a cure-all, but it sure helps soothe those tired muscles so I'm ready to go again tomorrow!”

This appropriately uses “temporary relief,” focuses on minor post-workout aches, and avoids any promise of a cure or exaggerated benefit.

1.3 “Say this, not that” — cosmetic product claims

A quick reference for the Lactigo without Menthol cosmetic product. Use it as a cheat sheet when crafting posts.

How to read this table

The right-hand column is not a safer way to say the left-hand claim. It is a different statement, and a true one. The left-hand claims are off-limits because they are not true of this product — so a phrase that gets the same idea across by other means is off-limits too.

Use a replacement when it is what you actually mean. If the message you intend is the prohibited one, no wording makes the post compliant — the FTC and FDA judge the net impression a reader is left with, not the vocabulary you chose.

Scroll the table sideways →

Don't say (risky claim)Do say (compliant phrase)Why
“Relieves muscle pain.”“Soothes skin.”“Relieves pain” promises a medical effect. “Soothes skin” is about a feeling and is safer.
“Reduces inflammation.”“Gives the appearance of calm skin.”Inflammation is a medical term. Rephrase to a general calming sensation or appearance, which is cosmetic.
“Speeds up recovery.”“Make it part of your post-workout cool-down routine.”“Speed up recovery” implies a physiological change. Even “supports” language can imply structure/function effects. Framing it as a routine doesn't suggest a body function change.
“Treats arthritis or joint pain.”“Goes on smoothly to support your active lifestyle.”Never name a disease like arthritis. The alternative focuses on general comfort, not a cure.
“Penetrates deep into muscle.”“Fast-absorbing topical gel.”“Penetrates” sounds like it enters the bloodstream or tissue — a drug claim. “Fast-absorbing” just describes it drying on the skin quickly.
“Stops lactic acid build-up.”“Helps your skin feel fresh for the next set.”Controlling lactic acid is a physiological claim. Say what the user feels without explaining a body process.
“Heals torn muscles.”“Supports healthy-looking skin for a healthy, active lifestyle.”Healing implies actual tissue repair. A broad lifestyle claim avoids that implication.
“Improves circulation.”“Provides an invigorating sensation on your skin.”Improving circulation is a drug or medical claim. An invigorating sensation is how it feels, not what it medically does.
“Pain-free living!”“Hydrates your skin.”“Pain-free” is an absolute, and misleading.

1.4 Be careful with ingredient claims

Lactigo contains ingredients like carnosine, magnesium, and menthol that have known benefits in scientific literature. Be cautious about how you connect those dots.

  • It's fine to say “Lactigo contains X and Y” — that's a factual statement.
  • It's fine to talk about the general benefits of an ingredient on its own, as long as you don't explicitly tie it to Lactigo's product doing that in or on the body. You might educate someone that “carnosine is known to support muscle endurance in lab studies.” Do not say “Lactigo will deliver those benefits directly.” The leap “Lactigo contains carnosine, so it will increase your endurance” is not allowed.
  • Never imply Lactigo's ingredients are delivered into the bloodstream or deep into muscles. Phrases like “penetrating muscle tissue,” “delivering magnesium to your cells,” or “transdermal delivery” are off-limits. Lactigo is a topical gel, not an injection or transdermal patch. Transdermal delivery claims likely require FDA approval with a New Drug Application.
  • If you reference scientific studies, ensure they're real and relevant. Studies that are not appropriately designed, randomized, controlled, blinded, or statistically significant may not sufficiently substantiate the claims you're making. Even with valid evidence, the FDA may consider new or off-label claims to be unapproved drug claims. The safest route is to let Lactigo's official materials handle the science and focus yourself on the user experience.

In summary: be enthusiastic but honest. Highlight how Lactigo makes you feel and how it fits your active lifestyle, but do not promise medical outcomes beyond what each product can legitimately do.

Product claims quick-checklist

  • Are you mentioning any disease or serious condition? If yes, remove it — we don't treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose diseases or medical conditions.
  • Did you accidentally use a forbidden word like pain, cure, or heal — especially for non-menthol? Replace it with a compliant term.
  • If you're describing the menthol gel's benefit, did you include “temporary” or “minor” to qualify “relief”?
  • Does your post create a net impression of a cure or major body change, even without the buzzwords? An image of someone tossing away a cane, or a before-and-after implying a medical transformation, counts.
  • Are your product claims backed by Lactigo's guidelines? When in doubt, stick to phrases from official Lactigo marketing or this handbook.
  • Would a reader think “this sounds like a medicine or a miracle”? If yes, dial it back. We want them to think “this sounds like a helpful wellness product” — which is exactly what it is.

2. Income & lifestyle claims: sharing the opportunity responsibly

We all love the Lactigo business opportunity. However, when talking about the business side — earning money, lifestyle potential — we must be extremely careful and truthful. The FTC and our industry's self-regulators (the DSA and DSSRC) have strict rules about how we discuss earnings, because too many people in the past have overhyped “get rich quick” narratives that mislead others.

2.1 What not to do: prohibited income & lifestyle claims

Absolutely off-limits
  • No guaranteed income or “get rich” promises. You cannot say or imply that someone will make a certain amount, or that success is assured.
  • No specific earnings figures or screenshots. Do not post your paycheck, your back-office commission screenshot, or say “I made $2,000 this week.” Even if true for you, specific numbers can mislead and would require a detailed disclosure of average earnings. Hyperbolic ranges like “six-figure income” or “earn up to $10k a month” count as earnings claims too.
  • Avoid flashy lifestyle imagery implying wealth. The FTC looks at overall impression, not just words. A photo of a luxury car, mansion, or exotic vacation with a caption about the business can imply an earnings claim even if you don't state one. Hashtags count as claims — tagging #financialfreedom or #millionaire on a business post is the same as making one.
  • No “quit your job tomorrow” narratives. “Fire your boss,” “escape the 9-to-5 now,” “replace your full-time income overnight” are misleading. Most affiliates start part-time and many do not make enough to replace a full-time salary.
  • Avoid words that scream pyramid scheme. Focusing purely on recruitment, or implying money from signing people up alone — “get paid to recruit your friends,” “build a downline and watch money roll in without selling.” Our business is about selling a great product, not just recruiting.
  • Tone down the “financial freedom” and “dream life” hype. Talking about goals is fine; promising “an all-expenses-paid lifestyle” or “you'll be debt-free and living in luxury” crosses the line.

Specific words and phrases to avoid: get rich, wealthy, unlimited income, residual income, passive income, quick money, fast cash, six-figure income, make millions, money comes automatically, set for life, early retirement, income on autopilot, guaranteed income/success, full-time income with part-time work, money while you sleep. Also any extravagant lifestyle reference tied to joining Lactigo — dream car, mansion, yacht, private jet, luxury vacation every month — and fire your boss, quit your job now, no more 9-to-5, be your own boss. (That last one is sometimes used cautiously with context that it still takes work, but as a standalone slogan it's risky.)

If it sounds like an infomercial promise of easy riches, don't say it. Our affiliates can earn good money, but through genuine effort, time, and selling a real product — not magic.

2.2 How to talk about earnings the right way

Compliant approaches
  • Emphasize the opportunity, not a guarantee. Use words like “opportunity,” “potential,” and “can” — not “will.”
  • Use personal, truthful examples, and qualify them. Share your own story as your story, not a promise for others, and add a disclosure such as “Your results may vary; not everyone will have the same earnings.”
  • Highlight non-monetary benefits — flexibility, personal growth, community, recognition. These sell the opportunity without dangling a financial carrot.
  • If you mention small perks, clarify the effort. Phrasing like “extra spending money” or “a bit of supplemental income” is safer than big numbers, paired with “with consistent effort.”
  • Use disclaimers liberally. Any time you reference income or rewards, include a disclaimer in the same post. The FTC has tightened rules such that a simple “results not typical” is not enough.
  • Stay grounded and realistic. Instead of “I'll be making six figures in no time,” say “I'm aiming to grow my business steadily.”
  • Acknowledge the work. Openly saying that success requires work, consistency, and time keeps you compliant and earns respect from prospects.
  • Use opportunity stories carefully. If a result was extraordinary, say so, and always circle back to effort and non-guarantee.
Important

Since Lactigo is new and does not yet have sufficient data to produce an accurate Income Disclosure Statement, we recommend against making any statements about earnings or income until after Lactigo publishes an IDS.

Caption starter (income / opportunity)

“I never imagined having a second income stream could be this fulfilling. By working a few hours most evenings on my Lactigo business, I've started earning enough to help with my rent. It's not a fortune and it definitely takes real work, but I love the flexibility! (Fun fact: most of us do this part-time — results vary, but the support and community make it worthwhile.) If you're curious about what I do, let's chat!”

This makes a modest claim, includes a disclosure that it's not a fortune and results vary, emphasizes work and flexibility, and invites interest without overhyping.

2.3 Disclosures: when and how to use them

A disclosure is a clear statement you include to prevent someone from being misled. For income claims, the FTC requires that if you share any earnings — even indirect, like “paid for my vacation” — you must give viewers the context of how typical or atypical that is.

  • Include an earnings disclosure whenever you mention income or lifestyle outcomes. At minimum: “This is my personal experience; not everyone will have the same results.” It should be immediately after, or on the same image as, the claim. Don't hide it in tiny text or a separate comment.
  • Be specific if possible. If the company provides an official statement, use it or paraphrase it. Such honesty might feel scary to share, but people appreciate realism.
  • Visual content matters. In a live video or long post, say the disclaimer clearly and in a normal tone — not fast fine print.
  • DSSRC monitoring. The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council actively monitors social media for income claims and checks whether claims have proper disclaimers. Without one, the DSSRC could flag the post and the company will ask you to take it down or correct it.
  • When in doubt, focus on the product or the personal journey, not the money. One trick to avoid heavy disclaimers is simply not to post about money at all.

2.4 The FTC's new rules — heads up

The FTC has proposed an Earnings Claims Rule that would make things even stricter. Regulators may start requiring companies — and by extension us as representatives — to have written proof for any earnings claim, and to provide it on request. They're also looking to impose large fines for misleading claims. It's best to steer clear of bold earnings talk unless you're prepared to back it up with evidence and disclaimers.

Income & lifestyle claims quick-checklist

  • Did I mention any dollar amounts or specific income? If yes, is there a very clear disclaimer with it? Could it be taken out of context?
  • Could someone read this and think they're guaranteed a certain lifestyle if they join? If so, reword it with “can/may,” “with hard work,” “opportunity to.”
  • Am I using hype words — rich, freedom, unlimited — or flashy images that overpromise?
  • Did I disclose the reality? If you mention a benefit, did you also note that results aren't typical or that effort was required?
  • Am I okay with a regulator or skeptic reading this? Imagine an FTC agent or a prospective recruit's skeptical parent reading your post.
  • When in doubt, have I stuck to my genuine story and feelings, rather than income figures?

3. Testimonials & influencer endorsements

Testimonials are powerful — there's nothing like real people sharing genuine experiences. But the FTC's rules on endorsements mean we must handle them carefully. A misleading testimonial can be just as problematic as a misleading ad, and both the company and you can be held accountable for any false or unsubstantiated claims in it.

3.1 The FTC endorsement guidelines in a nutshell

  • If it's not your original content, get permission. Using someone's content without consent can lead to legal issues.
  • “Material connection” must be disclosed. If the person giving the testimonial has any relationship with Lactigo or you beyond being a random customer, that must be disclosed — a friend or family member you asked, an affiliate, or anyone who got product free or at a discount. Use “#ad”, “#LactiGoAmbassador”, or a brief note like “(I received free product as an ambassador).” Don't bury it in a tag cloud.
  • In plain language: if you're posting on your own social media about Lactigo, you are not an average consumer — you're a representative. Your own testimonials should be tagged or stated as an ambassador or affiliate post.
  • Testimonials must reflect typical experiences, or you must say if they're not typical. You can't cherry-pick one amazing result and present it as what everyone will get. And a testimonial making an unapproved medical claim — “my chronic knee pain went away” — shouldn't be used at all, because the FDA could link the testimonial to the product and determine it is being marketed for unapproved drug uses.
  • No false, misleading, or unsubstantiated claims, even if someone else is saying it. Phrasing it as someone's opinion doesn't make it allowed. An endorsement is considered to come from the company unless you clearly distance or correct it.
  • Visual testimonials count too. Before-and-after photos and videos are subject to the same rules. It's often safer not to use dramatic before-and-after images, because they almost always imply a strong claim.
  • Influencers must follow these rules as well. If you give someone a free bottle to try, make sure they know to disclose it and to avoid making claims you couldn't make.

3.2 Structuring a compliant testimonial post

  1. Lead with the story, but keep it honest.
  2. Immediately provide the necessary context or disclosure. If they're a real customer who got no incentive: “(Shared with permission.)” If they're an affiliate: “(Jane is a fellow Lactigo affiliate.)” If they got product to review: “(She received product to try.)”
  3. If the result might be above average, add: “Everyone's experience is unique — results vary based on many factors.”
  4. Add the required product disclaimer if health or performance claims are implied. For example: “Lactigo is not intended to treat or cure medical conditions. It provides temporary relief of minor aches (menthol formula) or cosmetic benefits (non-menthol formula). Individual results will vary.”
  5. Keep the testimonial realistic. Don't embellish. If the person said “I felt a lot better,” don't rewrite it as “It completely eliminated my pain!”
  6. Close by reinforcing that it's an individual's story.

Example of a compliant testimonial post

Compliant

Jane's story: “After using Lactigo menthol gel for a month, I noticed less soreness and quicker recovery after my morning runs. I even did back-to-back run days which I usually avoid!” — Jane D., 42

(Shared with permission from a happy customer. Individual results vary!)

I'm so excited for Jane — she's feeling great and staying active. Disclaimer: Lactigo isn't a medicine, it's a topical gel. It doesn't cure or prevent any disease. Lactigo with Menthol is intended to provide temporary pain relief while the body recovers, and recovery times may vary.

Why this works: we identified Jane as a customer and got permission; we added “individual results vary” right after her quote; we clarified Lactigo is not a medicine in a friendly tone; and we kept the claims modest.

3.3 Special cases: athletes, influencers, paid endorsements

Athlete and team testimonials. It's okay to state general truths like “used by professional athletes” or “trusted by members of teams across the country” — this indicates social proof without implying official endorsement.

Do not
  • Use specific team names, league names, or logos. Lactigo has no official sponsorship, so “Official gel of the NHL!” could infringe trademarks and falsely suggest endorsement.
  • Name an athlete in a way that suggests they officially endorse it, unless there's a formal agreement. If a paid ambassador is mentioned, disclose it.

The key is implying endorsement versus stating usage. “Used by players in the NHL” is okay. “Used by the NHL” is not.

Influencers and ambassadors you work with should treat it like any sponsored content: disclose clearly, avoid disease claims and big income talk, and mention they received product from you. Review what they plan to post where possible.

Your own endorsements apply on all channels — Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, a personal blog. On platforms where text is limited or fleeting, be extra sure to disclose properly: superimpose “Paid partnership with Lactigo,” mention it verbally in a video, or pin a comment.

3.4 Testimonial pitfalls to avoid

  • Don't fabricate or exaggerate testimonials. Never invent a person or a quote, and don't pressure someone to say something they didn't mean.
  • Don't rely solely on disclaimers to excuse an outrageous claim. If a claim is inherently false or misleading, a disclaimer won't save it. Use disclaimers to clarify, not to justify.
  • React to customers' comments. If someone comments “this cured my ailment” or “I made $5,000 in a week,” address it — it's on your page now. Respond in a friendly way that corrects or contextualizes it, and consider hiding the comment if it's too problematic.
  • Combined product and income testimonials need disclaimers for both. It may be simpler to separate the messages.
  • Testimonials about diagnosing or treating injuries — “my knee was injured and Lactigo fixed it” — should be avoided entirely.

Testimonials & endorsements quick-checklist

  • Do I have permission to share this person's story or words?
  • Is it clear what my relationship is to this person or the product?
  • Does the testimonial make any claim I wouldn't be allowed to make myself? If yes, edit it or don't use it.
  • Did I add “results may vary” or similar for outcome claims?
  • Is the overall impression true and typical?
  • For influencer content: did they disclose #ad or the partnership clearly?
  • For long formats (video, blog), did I include disclosures clearly within it, not just buried at the end?
  • Am I prepared to provide backup if needed?

4. Digital hygiene & best practices

In the age of social media, how you present yourself online is just as important as what you say. Digital hygiene means maintaining clean, responsible online conduct that keeps you out of trouble.

4.1 The “net impression” rule — more than just words

Regulators and the DSSRC look at the overall impression your post gives. Even if you artfully avoid every banned word, you could still convey a non-compliant message through images, emojis, or context.

  • Images. A picture of a person holding their injured knee, then using Lactigo and smiling, implies it fixed the injury. A before/after collage of someone overweight versus fit implies a weight loss claim. Cash, a luxury car, or a mansion in an opportunity post implies an earnings claim. Medical symbols, pill bottles with a red X, wheelchairs or crutches being thrown away all send a message of medical treatment or cure.
  • Hashtags. Hashtags count as part of your message. “#painfree” or “#NoMorePain” is a product claim of curing pain. “#FinancialFreedom” or “#QuitYour9to5” on an opportunity post is an earnings claim. Use neutral, compliant tags like #WellnessJourney, #PostWorkoutRecovery, #ActiveLifestyle.
  • Combinations. Sometimes the mix of text and image creates the problem — a fine caption over a graphic that says “No Pain!”, or a business post with a GIF of someone throwing money in the air.
Bottom line

Always double-check what message a viewer will take away in three seconds. If that quick glance might make them think “Lactigo cures injuries” or “she's making bank easily,” adjust the content.

4.2 Responding to comments and questions

When responding to comments and questions, always make sure you know and clarify which version of the product you are discussing — Lactigo with Menthol or without.

  • Never give medical advice. If someone asks “I have arthritis in my knees, will Lactigo cure it?”, the compliant answer clarifies what Lactigo is and isn't: “Lactigo isn't intended to cure or treat any medical condition (I'm not a doctor!), but some people with active lifestyles use the menthol gel for temporary relief from joint or muscle soreness. It won't fix arthritis, but it might help temporarily relieve some joint discomfort during exercise. Always follow your doctor's advice for arthritis though!”
  • Stay on-label. If someone asks about an off-label use, don't endorse it. If someone asks about ingesting it, discourage that clearly — Lactigo is for external use only.
  • Income and recruiting questions. Be the voice of reason: “I wouldn't advise quitting your job right away! Some affiliates do very well over time, but it varies a lot. It's best to start part-time and see how it goes.”
  • Handling dangerous claims. When customers make incorrect claims believing they're praising the product, thank them but correct the record gently, so other readers aren't misled.
  • Moderating comments. If a comment is outright problematic, you can delete or hide it. It's your page; keeping it compliant might mean pruning problematic content from others.
  • Private messages. All the same rules apply in DMs. The FDA and FTC do not care whether a misleading claim was public or private.
  • Record-keeping. If you often give disclaimers or qualifiers in comments, consider keeping screenshots or notes.

4.3 Avoiding inadvertent endorsements

An “endorsement” can be as simple as a like, share, or retweet.

  • Think before you share or retweet. Sharing equals endorsing. If a fellow affiliate posts a huge claim, don't share it — reach out privately or let the compliance team help them.
  • Be cautious with likes and comments on others' posts. Liking a non-compliant post signals you approve of it, and a prospect who sees it could be confused.
  • Group chats and forums. Be the voice of compliance there too. Anything you say semi-privately could be screenshotted and spread.
  • Endorsing other products or opportunities. Cross-promoting unvetted supplements or remedies could tie Lactigo's name, through you, to non-compliant claims.
  • Don't engage in negative talk or false comparisons. Saying “Lactigo is FDA-approved unlike Brand X” is doubly wrong: Lactigo's menthol product conforms with an OTC monograph but has not been FDA-reviewed, and comparisons can be misleading or defamatory. The FTC and FDA typically require head-to-head studies to substantiate comparison and superiority claims.
  • Hashtag hijacking. Avoid unrelated trending hashtags just to get views.
  • Privacy and DMs. If someone privately shares a success story or sensitive health detail, do not screenshot and post it publicly without permission.

4.4 General social media best practices

  • Keep your profiles up-to-date and transparent. Mention that you are a Lactigo Independent Affiliate in your bio or about section.
  • Separate personal and business content appropriately. Make it clear when you're speaking about Lactigo and when you're not.
  • Quality over quantity. Better to have fewer, high-quality compliant posts than a lot of spammy ones. If you're unsure about a piece of content, wait and get advice.
  • Education posts. Informative content that doesn't push product or opportunity establishes you as knowledgeable and trustworthy.
  • When mistakes happen, own them and fix them. Edit or delete the post as needed and note what was wrong for next time. The compliance team's goal is not to shame or punish, but to prevent issues.
  • Stay updated. Regulations change, and Lactigo will update policies and guidance accordingly. If you're ever unsure whether something is allowed, ask first.
  • Your downline is your responsibility too. Make sure your team has this guide and teach new recruits these principles from day one.

Digital best practices quick-checklist

  • Profile check: does my bio make clear I'm a Lactigo affiliate, so my promotions are seen in context?
  • Post scan: before hitting post, did I look at the image, text and hashtags together for any unintended message?
  • Comment management: am I prepared to respond to tricky questions in a compliant way?
  • Content mix: am I balancing content so I'm not overdoing claims or salesy posts?
  • Engagement: am I only engaging with content that aligns with these standards?
  • Emojis and slang: could any of them imply something I don't mean?
  • Stay positive and factual: if someone challenges you, respond calmly with facts and kindness.

Conclusion: partnering for long-term success

Compliance may feel like a lot to remember, but at its heart it's simple: tell the truth, don't exaggerate, and put people's trust first. When you do that, you're not just following rules — you're building a reputation as a credible entrepreneur and helping Lactigo build a brand that customers and affiliates can rely on for years to come.

We're on the same team. Every guideline in this handbook is here to protect your business and our collective ability to share an amazing product and opportunity without interruption. By staying compliant, you help prevent lawsuits, regulatory crackdowns, or negative press that could hurt all of us. You're a guardian of the brand as well as an ambassador of it.

Key takeaways
  • In product marketing, when in doubt, tone it out — better to underclaim and overdeliver.
  • In income marketing, show the reality — the hustle, the community, the gradual growth — rather than selling a pipe dream.
  • Use disclaimers and disclosures freely. They are your friends, not fine-print enemies.
  • Educate and support your team. A compliant field is a healthy field.
  • Leverage the positive: by being compliant you stand out as a trustworthy voice in a crowd of often exaggerated marketing.

Always feel free to reach out for help. If you have a post and you're not 100% sure it's okay, run it by your upline or the compliance team. We'd rather answer your questions first than ask you to edit something later.

Thank you for reading through this handbook and committing to these principles. With warmth, clarity, and integrity, you can confidently grow your Lactigo business knowing you're doing it the right way.