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CL Answer

Do any supplements or foods help prevent sunburn or skin damage from sun exposure? Can any increase your risk of sun-related skin damage?

Find out which supplements may help protect from sunburn and sun-related skin damage, including beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, and cocoa.

Dermatologist examining the skin on the back of an older woman for signs of sun damage or skin cancer

Product Review

Weight Loss Supplements Review (7-Keto DHEA, Forskolin and Stimulant Blend Supplements)

Choose the Best Weight Loss Supplement. Be Careful With Weight Loss Supplements — Few Pass Quality Testing and Safety Review.

Weight Loss Supplements Tested by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Aloe Juices, Gels, and Supplements Review

How Much Aloe is Really in Aloe Products? Find Out and See Our Top Picks.

CL Answer

Will 7-keto DHEA help me lose weight?

Learn more about 7-keto DHEA supplements for weight loss, including clinical results.

7-Keto DHEA for Weight Loss? -- supplement and pills on scale

CL Answer

Do essential amino acid (EAA) supplements help build muscle better than dietary protein or protein supplements?

Comparison of essential amino acids vs dietary protein and protein supplements for building muscle.

Hands holding essential amino acid capsules and protein powder

CL Answer

7 Tips to Avoid Getting a Pill Stuck in Your Throat

Some pills can be difficult to swallow and can even become lodged in the throat or cause damage to the esophagus. Learn seven practical tips to help avoid getting pills stuck in the throat.

Pill Getting Stuck in Throat

CL Answer

Which ingredients should toothpastes and other dental products contain, and which should be avoided?

Learn about ingredients you want in your toothpaste, mouthwash and other dental products and which ingredients you may want to avoid.

Toothpaste in the shape of question mark coming out from toothpaste tube

Product Review

Astaxanthin Supplements Review

See Which Astaxanthin Products Passed or Failed CL's Tests

Astaxanthin supplements reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

CL Answer

What is the best sunscreen based on safety and efficacy?

Two different carcinogens, benzene and benzophenone have been found in popular sunscreens. These cancer-causing compounds are not listed on labels. Get the details and find out which sunscreens have been found to contain benzene and benzophenone.

Carcinogens in Sunscreens - Bottle of sunscreen with a question mark

Product Review

Apple Cider Vinegar Review — Bottled Liquids and Supplements

Find the Best Apple Cider Vinegar. See Which Apple Cider Vinegar Liquids and Supplements Passed Our Tests of Quality.

Apple Cider Vinegar Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Clinical Update

1/24/2023

Exercise While Fasting

To build muscle and burn fat, some people exercise without having eaten since the prior day. Having some protein or amino acids around the time of exercise can help with building muscle – but what’s the best time to do that? Find out what research suggests, in our updated CL Answer about essential amino acids.

Also see: I do moderate exercise for about an hour a few times a week. Which supplements might help me?

Clinical Update

10/10/2020

Ginger for Weight Management?

Can ginger help burn calories and reduce weight? Find out what recent studies show in the What It Does section of our Ginger Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for ginger.

Clinical Update

8/11/2023

Burning Sensation From Toothpaste

What in my toothpaste is causing my mouth to burn? Find out which ingredient might cause this and toothpastes to avoid it.

CL Answer

Are enteric coated supplements better than non-enteric coated ones?

Learn about the pros and cons of enterically coated supplements, including ingredient absorption,safety and price.

Glass of Water and White Pill

CL Answer

Can bloodroot or "black salve" treat skin cancer? Is it safe?

Bloodroot salve and black salve made from bloodroot and zinc - are they effective and safe treatments for skin cancer? ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Elderly Woman Getting Mole on Back Examined By Doctor

CL Answer

Does heat kill coronavirus (COVID-19)? Can it disinfect face masks and packages?

Find out if heat kills the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 infection. Learn what temperature kills the coronavirus and more. ConsumerLab explains.

Does Heat Kill Coronavirus? -- Women Receiving Food Delivery

CL Answer

Which is the best mask to prevent COVID-19 and how do cloth, disposable, N95, and KN95 masks compare? How can I stop glasses from fogging?

See our Top Picks for masks. Learn how to make COVID-19 masks from materials at home that can be almost as effective as surgical mask and N-95 masks.

Four masks shown for comparison

CL Answer

Do any supplements naturally suppress appetite and help with weight loss?

Learn which natural ingredients can suppress appetite and find if these natural appetite suppressants help with weight loss.

Container of natural appetite suppressant supplement with measuring tape and scale in background

Recalls & Warnings

August 17, 2021

Weight Loss Supplements Found to Contain Sibutramine Recalled

Two companies (including one Ebay seller) recently recalled weight loss supplements that were found to contain sibutramine.

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of manuka honey, and is it safe?

Manuka honey health benefits, how it differs from common, store-bought honey, safety, evidence for using manuka honey for wounds, sore throat and cough, constipation and more.

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey -- jar of manuka honey

CL Answer

Can supplements, natural eye drops, or lifestyle modifications improve symptoms of dry eye?

Can supplements such as fish oil, flaxseed oil or curcumin (from turmeric) help treat dry eyes? Find out, including formulas and doses that have shown benefit. Also, learn if drinking more water or using eye drops containing castor oil, N-acetylcarnosine or aloe can help with dry eye.

Older man with dry eye rubbing his eyes while holding his glasses

CL Answer

Is topical menthol, such as Biofreeze, safe and effective for pain relief?

Menthol is commonly used in topical creams and gels for pain relief. Find out if it works and if it's safe.

Man applying menthol cream

Recalls & Warnings

February 09, 2019

Herbal Skin Remedy Recalled, Can Cause Serious Injury

On February 8, 2019, McDaniel Life-Line LLC issued a recall of all lots of Indian Herb a product marketed to be taken orally or applied topically, as a remedy for abnormal skin growths.

Recalls & Warnings

August 01, 2017

FDA Warns Seller of Acai, Garcinia & More for Drug Claims

On July 25, 2017, the FDA issued a warning letter to Absonutrix, following a review of the company's website, www.absonutrix.com, which found statements made about some of its products to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

April 16, 2014

Weight Loss Supplements Found To Contain Prescription Antidepressant and Other Drugs

On March 7, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Deseo Rebajar Inc. because the company's following weight loss products were found to contain drugs:

Recalls & Warnings

May 11, 2022

FDA Warns 10 Companies for Selling Workout Supplements With Dangerous Ingredients

On May 4, 2022, the FDA issued warning letters to 10 companies for selling products promoted for muscle building, fat burning and other uses that contain potentially dangerous ingredients not permitted in dietary supplements, including hordenine, higenamine, 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin, and CBD.

News Release

December 15, 2021

How Much Aloe Is Really in Aloe Products? ConsumerLab Tests Show Some Products Contain None

White Plains, New York, December 15, 2021 — Recent ConsumerLab tests of popular aloe juices, gels and supplements sold in the U.S. found substantial amounts of aloe in some products, while others contained very little.

Recalls & Warnings

December 26, 2013

Weight Loss Supplement Recalled

On December 23, 2013, Deseo Rebajar Inc. issued a voluntary recall of one lot of Burn 7 Capsules because they were found to contain sibutramine.

Recalls & Warnings

November 11, 2014

Seller of Sexual, Muscle Enhancement Supplements Warned for Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims

On August 26, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to GE Pharma LLC following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Fire Burn, Fire Storm, Creatine, Amino Fire, Nitric Fire, Jet Fire, Oxy Fire, HGH, Cissus, Hydro shield, Performa-Test, Raspberry Ketones, Fire Drol, ...

Recalls & Warnings

December 19, 2020

FDA Finds Unapproved Drugs in Many Weight Loss and Sexual Enhancement Products Sold Online

On December 18, 2020, the FDA warned consumers that certain products promoted for weight loss, body building, sexual enhancement, pain relief, sleep, and other uses because may contain harmful ingredients.

Recalls & Warnings

July 26, 2014

FTC Says Company Made "Outrageous" Weight Loss Claims

Marketers for the Canadian-based Freedom Center Against Obesity have agreed to pay $500,000 to settle FTC charges the company made deceptive claims about its Double Shot diet pills.

Recalls & Warnings

April 08, 2015

Does Your Weight Loss or Sports Supplement Contain Synthetic Amphetamine?

A study published on April 7, 2015, reported that among 21 weight loss, sports and cognitive enhancement supplements labeled as containing the plant extract Acacia rigidula, more than half were found to contain a synthetic, amphetamine-like compound called beta- methylphenylethylamine ...

Recalls & Warnings

October 10, 2013

Six Weight Loss Supplements Found to Contain Drugs

On October 10, 2013, the FDA advised consumers not to purchase or use the six weight loss supplements listed below because they were found to contain one or both of the undeclared drugs sibutramine and phenolphthalein.

Recalls & Warnings

July 10, 2014

Five Weight Loss Supplements Found to Contain Undeclared Drugs

On July 8, 2014, the FDA warned consumers not to buy or use the weight loss supplements listed below because they were found to contain undeclared sibutramine and/or phenolphthalein.

Recalls & Warnings

June 16, 2004

FTC Challenges Ads for Kids’ Weight Loss Pill and Female Sexuality Supplement

On June 16, 2004 The Federal Trade Commission announced that it had charged three Florida-based companies and their principals with making false and unsubstantiated claims in connection with the advertising for “Pedia Loss,” a purported children’s weight loss product.

Recalls & Warnings

January 02, 2004

Health Canada Warns Consumers Not to Use Health Products Containing Comfrey

On December 12, Health Canada advised Canadian consumers not to ingest the herb comfrey or any health products that contain comfrey because they might contain a compound called echimidine, which may cause liver damage.

Recalls & Warnings

October 06, 2004

False Claims Made by Marketer of Cortisol-related Weight-Loss Supplements According to FTC

On October 6, 2004, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)charged marketers of two dietary supplements with claiming, falsely and without substantiation, that their products can cause weight loss and reduce the risk of, or prevent, serious health conditions.