National Advertising Division Refers Health-Related Claims for Dr. Teal’s Melatonin Sleep Products to Federal Trade Commission for Further Review

New York, NY – December 6, 2023 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs referred advertising claims made by PDC Brands for its Dr. Teal’s branded adult and kid’s lines of melatonin sleep products to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for review.

PDC Brands declined to participate in the industry self-regulation process, and as a result, NAD has referred its advertising claims to the FTC.

The claims at issue, which were challenged by The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G), appeared on product packaging, Dr. Teal’s website, and social and digital media in connection with Dr. Teal’s topical bath soaks, scrubs, moisturizers, balms, and sprays. P&G argued that claims for these products were unsupported and misled consumers into believing that they deliver melatonin-derived sleep benefits that consumers have become familiar with (i.e., helping them and/or their children fall asleep and stay asleep).

During the inquiry, PDC Brands stated that, for reasons unrelated to the challenge, certain challenged claims were in the process of being modified or permanently discontinued. Therefore, NAD did not review these claims on their merits.  

PDC declined to participate in the NAD self-regulatory process with respect to the remaining challenged claims, contending that they do not attribute any specific benefit to melatonin:

• Teal’s “Sleep Balm —with Melatonin & Essential Oils”
• Teal’s Body Lotion —“Sleep Lotion with Melatonin & Essential Oils”
• Teal’s kids—“sleep spray with melatonin & essential oils”
• Teal’s kids Gentle Epsom Salt Bath—“sleep soak with melatonin & essential oils”
• Teal’s kids Body Lotion—“sleep lotion with melatonin & essential oils”
• Teal’s kids—“sleep body balm with melatonin & essential oils”
• Teal’s kids 3-in-1 Bubble Bath, Body Wash & Shampoo—“sleep bath with melatonin & essential oils”
• “Just spritz pillows and bedding with the Sleep Spray and rub the Sleep Balm on their back, chest, or feet. They’ll be dreaming in no time.”
• “The secret to a good night’s rest is Dr. Teal’s Sleep Lotion with Melatonin and Essential Oils.”

As a result of PDC’s decision not to participate in the NAD self-regulatory process with respect to these claims, NAD has referred the matter to the FTC for review and possible enforcement action.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.