Science vs. Science Fiction

Although it would be great to be able to find all the information you want in a straight­forward peer-reviewed journal search, it is highly unlikely. The basic information that is obtained from an on-line database like Google will have a great deal of marketing hype with little to no science. However, it may not be a bad place to at least start to learn some basic information prior to contacting a manufacturer for additional information.

Value

With the cost of cosmeceuticals escalating to as much as $500 per ounce, it is extremely difficult to determine how to advise patients. First and foremost are questions of efficiency and safety. Is the product effective at all? Is it effective for each of the claims? Is there well-controlled statistically significant claimed data to substantiate these claims? How effective is the product relative to other effective products (OTC or Rx)? What is the relative cost to the patient compared to other available and effective products? Would you purchase this product using your own money for use on your own family?

Updated: July 2, 2015 — 7:25 pm