False endorsements from popular Filipino doctors used to promote an unregistered cosmetic

This article is more than one year old.
Published on November 30, 2022 at 05:52
Updated on November 30, 2022 at 06:08
4 min read
By Faith BROWN, AFP Philippines

Multiple digitally altered videos advertising a supposed skin-whitening serum have been viewed millions of times by Facebook users in the Philippines in posts that falsely claim the cosmetic product was endorsed by famous local doctors. The doctors featured in the videos told AFP they had not endorsed the product -- which is not registered with the country's Food and Drug Administration. A dermatologist also warned that unregistered products may irritate the skin and cause harm.

One video advertising the skin-whitening product was shared on Facebook here on July 15, 2022 with the title "CASH ON DELIVERY BUY 1 TAKE 1 PROMO".

The post also includes purported quotes from Filipino cosmetic physician Dr Vicki Belo -- who founded the Belo Medical Group -- and her husband Dr Hayden Kho Jr endorsing the product, "Angel Underarm Whitening Serum".

The video attached to the post has been viewed more than 2.5 million times.

In the video, Dr Belo and Dr Kho appear to be answering a question on how to whiten the underarms.

After giving some advice on how to prevent the underarms from darkening, the physicians discuss whitening options.

At the video's 42-second mark, an advert for "Angel Underarm Whitening Serum" is shown as Dr Belo begins to speak about a product offered by her company.

This happens again at the video's one-minute, 25-second mark as Dr Kho talks about "Angel Whitening".

Screenshots from the false Facebook video, captured on November 29, 2022

The product was also advertised in other Facebook videos here and here that were shared in November. These videos feature another physician Dr Krizzle Luna -- who found fame by giving medical advice on social media -- also talking about ways to lighten underarm skin.

Comments on the posts suggest some users believed the claim and wanted to purchase the product.

"Hello doc Vicki Belo and doc Hayden, can this be shipped abroad?" one user asked.

Another enquired, "How much is it and how do I order?"

The doctors, however, have not endorsed the product.

'Fake' product endorsement

A representative for Dr Belo and Dr Kho told AFP the posts are "fake".

"Please be informed that Belo Medical Group, Dr. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho are not in any way affiliated with this product. We have notified our team about this fake advertisement," the representative said on November 23.

Dr Luna also told AFP on November 24: "I do not endorse this product."

The clip of Dr Belo and Dr Kho was taken from a video published on Dr Belo's YouTube channel on May 5, where the pair answered questions from their followers.

Below is a screenshot comparison of the altered video used in the false posts (left) and the original video posted on YouTube (right):

Screenshot comparison of the altered video used in the false posts (left) and the original video posted on YouTube (right)

A review of the footage found the two never endorsed "Angel Underarm Whitening Serum".

They only promoted their clinic's own underarm whitening cream that has been approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and their "Angel whitening" laser treatment.

The clip of Dr Luna was taken from a longer video published on her TikTok account on March 11, where she also talked about ways to lighten underarm skin.

Below is a screenshot comparison of the altered video used in the false posts (left) and the original video posted on TikTok (right):

Screenshot comparison of the altered video used in the false posts (left) and the original video posted on TikTok (right)

A review of the TikTok video found Dr Luna never mentioned "Angel Underarm Whitening Serum".

Instead, she promoted an FDA-approved brand of deodorant.

Unregistered cosmetic product

A keyword search of the FDA's registered cosmetic products database did not yield any results for "Angel underarm Whitening Serum" as of November 29.

Dr Jarische Lao-Ang, a dermatologist from the Philippine Dermatological Society, warned against using unregistered skin products.

"Unregistered products have risks of irritating the skin, causing more harm," she told AFP on November 28.

"For consumers, it's best to consult with board-certified dermatologists for proper guidance."

AFP previously debunked posts that contain fabricated endorsements from doctors here, here, here, here and here.

Is there content that you would like AFP to fact-check? Get in touch.

E-mail