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http://www.hairfacts.com/methods/topical.html
Copyright 1998-2001. All rights
reserved.
Topical preparations: not permanent
Unlike cream depilatories, these scam products claim
to have a lasting effect on hair growth. Of course, they provide not one shred
of valid clinical data to support their claims.
Common brands:
- Epil-Stop by Tactica
- Epil-Stop Plus by Tactica
- Epil-Stop Ultra by Tactica
- Ultra Hair Away by Victoria Bodyworks
- Liquid Electrolysis by Aavexx/Allied Distributors
- UHA Sport by Apex Marketing
- Derma Nude by Apex Marketing
- follistat by Apex Marketing
- Hair No More by Apex Marketing
- Kalo Hair Inhibitor by Nisim International
Epil-Stop
Every category of sleazy hair scams has a worst offender.
The most egregious of the topical preparations is Epil-Stop, heavily advertised
on bad television by the good folks who brought you the IGIA electric tweezer
scam.
Consumers not only got burned figuratively by wasting
money on this scam, but also burned literally in many cases. Epil-Stop formulations
had a highly concentrated solution of lye, the caustic active ingredient in
crystal drain cleaners. In some cases, it caused second degree burns before
being taken of the shelves by the manufacturer.
Epil-Stop government warnings result in a
product recall
On September 4, 1997, The California Poison Control System
issued a warning about Epil-Stop after numerous calls from persons who developed
skin burns after exposure to this product, said Kent Olson, MD, medical director
of the CPCS San Francisco Division and UCSF clinical professor of medicine,
pediatrics and pharmacy.
The burn victims apparently had used the product as directed
on the label, with an application time of less than three to five minutes, Olson
said. They reported an immediate burning pain, with skin discoloration and blister
formation which suggested to CPCS Hotline staff that they had received second-degree
chemical burns. One of the victims has persistent skin discoloration and scab
formation ten days after the event.
"According to the manufacturer, EPIL-STOP contains
thioglycolic acid salts, emollients and moisturizers, and is supposed to have
a pH of 10.0 to 10.2," Olson said. "In fact, one of the victims brought
the container into the California Poison Control System center in San Francisco,
and we measured a pH of greater than 12." The product that was brought
in was in a white plastic jar with an imprint code that appears to read #C250EXP6/99,
Olson said. The product is manufactured in New York and sold by mail order in
California by Concepts Fulfillment, Inc. and/or Tactica International in Bell,
Calif.
[Tactica is the same sleazy operation that brought the
IGIA tweezer plague upon consumers]
From the FDA's website
FDA RECALLS AND FIELD CORRECTIONS: COSMETICS -- CLASS
II
- PRODUCT Hair Removal Cream labeled "The Art of
Beauty Epil-Stop Hair Removal Cream, 4 oz."
- Recall #F-026-8.
- CODE C250, C252, C253, C260, C263, C264, and C267
- - Lot numbers are stamped on the bottom of the jar
- all lots have an expiration date of 8/99.
- MANUFACTURER International Chemical Corporation, Amherst,
New York.
- RECALLED BY Manufacturer, by undated letters sent
by September 13, 1997.State of California Poison Control Office issued press
release on September 4, 1997. Firm-initiated recall ongoing.
- DISTRIBUTION Nationwide and Canada.
- QUANTITY Approximately 20,000 units were distributed
- REASON Product is adulterated in that it has high
pH levels which may cause skin irritation and burning.
A sampling of consumer complaints
Many thanks to Rosemarie of TG Guide, who has compiled the copious angry message board posts regarding
Epil-Stop on what I call their Epil-Stop Page of Rage.
Rosemarie typed in the warnings from her container:
WARNING
IRRITATION OR ALLERGIC REACTION MAY OCCUR WITH SOME
PEOPLE, EVEN AFTER PRIOR USE WITHOUT ADVERSE EFFECT. THEREFORE, TEST BEFORE
EACH USE BY APPLYING PRODUCT TO A SMALL PART OF THE AREA WHERE HAIR IS TO
BE REMOVED. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS AND WAIT 24 HOURS, IF SKIN APPEARS NORMAL, PROCEED.
DO NOT USE ON IRRITATED, INFLAMED, OR BROKEN SKIN.
AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN AROUND THE EYES AND MUCUS MEMBRANES,
MOUTH AND EYEBROWS. (this bascily means that we can't use it where we need
it most, our beards and mustaches) EPIL-STOP CAN BE USED ON LEGS, ARMS, ANYWHERE
EXCEPT EYES, IN NOSE, EARS, OR BREAST NIPPLES PERIANAL OR VAGINAL/GENTIAL
AREAS.
Other cautions include, DO NOT USE ON WET SKIN, DO
NOT USE AFTER BATHING OR SHOWERING. NEVER REMOVE PRODUCT VIA A HOT BATH OR
SHOWER AS SKIN IRRITATION MAY RESULT.
For us girls that want nice legs and chests, using
this product just doesn't seem to be worth the risk. And since we can't use
it on our faces, why?
From a note to owner Rosemarie:
There's one born every minute. In the last 60 seconds
it was me. Although I do not have transgender issues, I have issues with epil-stop.
That is how I found you. This product is a huge rip off. I've used it twice.
I left it on for fifteen minutes. I have fine thin hair, not a hair removal
nightmare.This product did nothing but emit a strange odor. I have two cats.
If I want strange odors, I can have them for free. 40.00 dollars is a small
fortune for something that only smells bad. How do people manufacture and
sell a product like this in stores?
Bobbie:
I purchased Epil stop plus 4 weeks ago and I can tell
you that I am not happy at all with this product. It simply does not work.
I used it the first day I got it(4 weeks ago)under my arms for the recommended
time and it took off only a little hair. I used it again this week and it
removed no hair at all. Such a rip off. my batch was RECALLED by the FDA for
being dangerous and too powerful (wrong ph balance) 4 months AFTER i used
it. and the stuff never even worked when it was that strong.
Imani:
I used it again this week and it removed no hair at
all. Such a rip off.I was better off using the Lotion Hair Remover I was using
before. At least all the hair was removed from the place I applied it. I am
so tired of wasting my hard earned money and the stuff doesn't even work.
Emmi:
I along with 3 of my friends tried this product and
we either had to shave the hair off because it didn't come off like it was
supposed to or with me it came off as told but the very next day the hair
was growing back just as if I had shaved my legs with a razor. It wasn't worth
the money or the time spent to apply. I am very dissappointed in this product
and will never recomend it to any one.
Tom:
I also purchased Epil Stop. Like you that junk didn't
work.
Here is the twist. I received a call on Friday October
16, 1998 from an Epil Stop phone solicitor. During the course of the conversation
after she asked me how I liked Epil Stop and I told her that I thought it
was junk. She proceeded to tell me how glad she was that she had called because
she knew that the original Epil Stop formula did not work. That you had to
leave it on to long and results were minimal at best.
However, Epil Stp has now created a new and improved
formula and it worked just great on her legs as well as her husbands beard.
And because they knew that the original formula was no good that they would
send me a free replacement of the new formula along with 2 additional months
supply that only cost approxmately $60.00. When I asked how she could possibly
consider that they were sending me a free sample to replace the junk they
sent me originally and it was going to cost me $60.00. She didn't have an
answer. When I said that Epil Stop could refund my money for the first order,
I was informed that I was past the limit for a refund. I said since the company
knows that the first formula was junk, they should have automatically sent
me the refund if they were a reptable company. However, Epil Stop could send
the free sample to try and if I liked it would not only buy the $60.00 worth
but would also purchase more for Christmas presants. She hung up the phone
on me.
If anyone out there has imformation about how to get
a hold of the company direct or about a class action law suit, I would appreciate
finding out about it.
Barrett:
It does remove some hair, but is not as effective as
claimed. I returned it, did not get a refund, and could not get through on
their customer service line. I recommend all those who are not satisifed contact
Better Business, as I have.
Michelle:
This is the most bogus product ever. It didn't just
not work well, IT DIDN'T WORK AT ALL!! It didn't take ONE hair off!
Deanna:
Don't feel alone, it didn't work for me either! I don't
know about anyone else out there, but I mailed it back months ago with a letter
stating that it did not work for me and I never received a response to that
letter or a REFUND!!!
Carol:
i got epil-stop on monday, used it and after leaving
it on for 25 minutes it still did not remove all the hair on my legs and i
had to shave them on thursday. now when i try to reach the complaints number
all you ever get is a recording. nothing but a huge rip-off.
Joyce:
I ordered Epil Stop in January they charged my Visa
account and never received the product nor the money. I have called several
times to 1800-953-8887 and they do not want to assumed any responsibility.
They only give away a telephone in California that it is connected to an aswering
machine. That tel # is: 213-269-1101. Some body has to stop this two companies
from stealing money from thousands of people. FBI Please help.
Keith:
I saw a "Trouble Shooter" piece on my local
news concerning Epil Stop. It is a total scam and the makers are laughing
all the way to the bank! In 95% of testers, Epil Stop did not work at all
and the other 5% had minimal results. When trying to reach the company or
a spokesman of the company, the reporter was given the runaround and even
removed from the premises. There are numerous reports to the BBB about this
company. So be fore warned and don't get taken for $40 on this scam!!!!!!
More complaint posts at this site:
And, go to this site: http://projects.cac.psu.edu/phy001.board/messages/358.html
If you'd like more proof, here's another site with a message board
full of angry consumers ripped off by Epil-Stop
You'll find hundreds of postings from people (male and
female) who have tried Epil Stop and regret it. Most people have gotten severe
skin burns and scarring (even after stopping treatment months ago).
Contact information
Many phone numbers for this company have been changed
or disconnected following overloads from angry consumers.
IGI' Direct, Inc., 1173-A 2nd Ave., Suite 288, New York,
NY 10021.
Their web page is: http://www.igia.net/home.htm.
Avi Sivan
- dammann@EARTHLINK.NET
- (212) 967-6917
- (FAX) (212) 967-7540
- (800) 731-3003
- 1-800-990-9121
Epil-Stop is manufactured by:
- Health Direct
- 245 8th Avenue
- Suite 855
- New York, NY 10011
Order number 1-800-204-3399
Kalo
Supposedly "inhibits unwanted hair growth permanently."
This spray mist became available in April 1997 and is
made by Canadian outfit called Nisim. Four ounces, 40 bucks US. Soon in a 2-ounce
cream for the same price.
They claim "Kalo's proprietary formula works directly
in the follicle, neutralizing the key elements necessary for hair to grow, without
damaging skin tissue or causing irritation." Yeah, right.
Here's the catch: to use it, you must first remove unwanted
hair "in a way that removes the hair shaft and bulb without breaking the
hair and leaves the follicle open: usually accomplished by waxing, sugaring
or tweezing." After this, you rub in the topical "three times in succession
the first day, three times in succession the next day. The product is not used
again until the next hair removal session."
They claim, "Every time you wax, you can expect
that 10 to 15 per cent of the hair will never grow back.
Kalo contact info:
- 204 Wilkinson Rd. Brampton, Ontario Canada L6T 4M4
- Toll free: 800-65-NISIM
- website: Kalo hair scam
Liquid "Electrolysis"
This product is advertised by Allied Distributors ("since
1992!", they say), and is supposedly manufactured by Aavexx, makers of
a transdermal "electrolysis" scam device. As with other products,
you're supposed to remove hairs roots and all first, preferably with real needle
electrolysis. Then, they claim it
will drastically accelerate and improve your electrolysis
results! In a double-blind clinical study, 6 weeks following electrolysis,
80% less hair was growing in the area treated with Liquid Electrolysis than
with electrolysis alone.*
The asterisk is theirs, but there's no data anywere on
the page marked with an asterisk. I seriously doubt there's any legitimate medical
data on this product, and there's certainly nothing published in any respectable
medical journals.
They claim, "It destroys the root of the hair (papilla
and follicle) with the powerful caustic alkali sodium hydroxide." That's
right, drain opener. They claim it's neutralized by their secret formula, "but
when massaged deeply into the desired area, the high moisture content in the
empty follicle shaft slowly activates the sodium hydroxide." Yeah, right.
A 4 oz bottle is US $80, 8 oz bottle is US $100 and a
32oz bottle is US $200.
The warnings are just as dire as those on Epil-Stop,
which uses the same ingredients and was recalled after many cases of severe
burns were reported to California's Poison Control Centers:
Never apply to damp skin, open cuts or sores. Always
use gloves when applying Liquid Electrolysis. Completely rinse skin with cool
water 30 minutes after application has been completed. Avoid contact with eyes.
They also state: "simply return the unused portion
for a prompt and courteous refund." See below for an example of the courteous
refund:
One unhappy customer
writes at their site:
After six months of following their directions completely,
with no results, guess how Allied Distributors dealt with my concerns? Upon
calling their toll-free order number (the only way to reach them), I was informed
that for anything other than an order I would have to call another, long-
distance phone number. After calling that number three times and leaving messages
(you must talk to a computer not a person), they finally returned my call
on the third day. After learning that I was not satisfied and may want my
money back, the man from Allied Distributors hung up on me! Several calls
to both numbers failed to get any further response. Their trial period is
not long enough to see if the product will work for you. When you find out
that the product does not work it will be too late!! Think twice!!!!
Jade writes:
In any case, the customer service number I got didn't
have any of the problems the website describes. The number was toll-free,
I did get voice mail but they called back the same evening, and when I told
them I wanted information about returning Liquid Electrolysis they were perfectly
courteous and unfussy. (I've never actually bought any, I just wanted to see
in advance if they stand by their guarantee, since you're always treading
on thin ice with hair removal schemes.) Also, the page complains that the
money-back period is too short, but it's a lifetime guarantee for the Liquid
Electrolysis.
So I'm - somewhat nervously - concluding that the AAVEX
folks are safe to do business with, and that I'll probably be able to get
my money back if it doesn't work.
Does it work? I don't know; I'm going to test it carefully
and report my results here. You use it after waxing or plucking, so I'm going
to wax/pluck my whole beard and apply LE to only one half. (Maybe I
could enlist my wife and even do a blind study: use Liquids A and B, only
my wife would know which was LE and which was corn oil...) Anyway, I'll be
sure to let you know how things work out. The chemical description of its
function sounds plausible, but you never know. The Holy Grail of hair removal
has always been elusive so far.
A couple of months later, Jade added:
About 2 months ago, I promised to report my findings
on the effectiveness of the Liquid Electrolysis product several people have
posted about. Unfortunately, it looks like I may not get to the point of judging
its effectiveness, since I'm not having any luck finding a safe way to use
it. As the instruction booklet warns, "Some skin types will become overtreated
regardless of conditions of treatment", and it's looking like I've got
that kind of skin. A patch test on my leg went fine, but small patch tests
on my face and neck produce chemical burns. With experimentation, I've been
able to get the burns to be rather mild, but they're still too bad to let
me use the product for hair removal, especially since the product must be
used many times over the course of months to be effective.
Girlcat writes:
Liquid Electrolysis A Diary: Got my bottle today.
First it may help to state my situation. I am self
employed, working from home, post-op for 12 years, with light blond hair.
After about 40 hours of electrolysis back in the early
80s, I could not see the cost effectiveness of that system.
I did pluck around 1986, but pretty much resigned myself
to {-shutter-} shaving daily, taking a little comfort in the fact that I was
saving money (and a lot of money at that).
Last week I see posts for this "Miracle"
LIQUID ELECTROLYSIS. I ¬m always for trying new things, and science is always
progressing, so I called and ordered a bottle. In preparation I did not shave
for a few days and started to {ouch}pluck. Well, the bottle arrived after
only three days from placing my order via phone.
I continued to pluck throughout the day today, and
finally set down to read the instructions.To my dismay I found that :
- There is only a 15 to 30 minute window to use the
product from the time that youÿve plucked the area. (so no use applying
to areas Iÿve been plucking) In other words, Those of you wanting to pluck
your whole face...The follicle shaft will close before you can apply the
L.E.
- NO NO NO Shaving !!! EVER !!!!!!!! To quote the
instructions : "Shaving the skin causes micro-trauma and small cuts
which will serve as an avenue for the Liquid Electrolysis to enter and SEVERELY
damage the skin." end quote
- Alcohol towelettes are needed to remove liquid after
60 seconds and for clean up.
- Rubber Gloves are needed to apply the L.E.
- You may need an ice pack to counter the discomfort.
- Also NO COSMETICS OR TANNING for 24 Hours.
BUMMER !!!
So, not actually having tried it yet, I have had to
make a New game plan:
- One last shaving in the morning,
- then off to the store to get
- a really good lighted magnifying mirror,
- a pair or two of those really good tweezers
that look kinda like scissors
- waxing strips or a waxing kit to get those really
fine hairs,
- alcohol towelettes,
- ice pack,
- and Rubber Gloves
- Then just let it grow,
- pluck a small area, probably start this on Wednesday
02.18.98
- and treat.
This stuff sounds like it's gonna work. It will just
take some planing on each individuals part. Iÿll post next Friday and let
you know how things are working
Girlcat eventually decided not to bother risking skin
damage with the stuff: "I too was gona give it a go, but as a chem. friend
told me 'Its acid for christs sake' I'm just pointing this out for those of
you who are thinking of using this. I've yet to hear anything good about it."
Contact info:
- Allied Electrolysis Supply, 8623 Grainville Street,
Suite 843, Vancouver, BC V6P 5A1 CANADA
- Call 1-800-325-8656
Following our sleazy Epil-Stop friends at Tactica comes
the makers of UHA Sport, follistat, and Derma Nude.
They are a two-bit operation based west of Los Angeles
in the hills above Malibu, and go by numerous names, including:
- Apex Marketing
- Envision Marketing Group
- Westlake Laboratories
- Envirogenex Labs
Since Apex Marketing appears on their trademark registrations
and is the name they use for spamming newsgroups, I'll call them Apex Marketing
for simplicity.
Contact info:
Apex Marketing Group
- Mark Landyn
- 5737 Kanan Road
- Agoura Hills, CA 91301
- 805-498-6290
Envision Marketing Group, LLC
- 2275 Huntington Drive #405
- San Marino, CA 91108
- Tel: 626.359.6311. Fax: 626.359.6253
Envision Marketing Group
- 2899 Agoura Rd.#782
- Westlake Village, CA 91361
- 818 707 2060 (FAX) 818 707 1161
Westlake Laboratories
- 23852 Pacific Coast Highway #436, Malibu, CA 90265
- Tel: 800.601.9309
- Fax: 626.359.6253
Envirogenex Labs
- Louis Zwirn
- Voice: 888-975-7185
Doug Hume is listed as the FOLLISTAT.COM website administrator
- dough@FOLLISTAT.COM
- envisionmkt@EARTHLINK.NET
Patrick Beard is listed as the DERMANUDE.COM website
administrator
- patb@ANIDES.COM
- Animated Designs
- 31336 Via Colinas #103
- Westlake Village, CA 91362
- (818)889-2348 (FAX) (818)706-0125
T. Randolph Catanese of Catanese and Wells is the lawyer
listed on their trademarks for follistat and UHA Sport
- 31416 W Agoura Rd, Suite 240
- Westlake Village, California 91361-4621
- Phone: (805) 495-8081
- Fax: (805) 373-3735
Apex Marketing Group
Landyn, Mark (ML6779) apexmktg@EARTHLINK.NET
805-498-6290
Newbury Park, CA 91320 Tel: 805 499 9966
follistat
Another topical, this one produced/distributed by Envision
Marketing in California. They also sell UHA Sport (see below). In a cream or
spray for the standard $40. The difference is that this one doesn't claim to
dissolve hair, but just to inhibit its growth. They claim this stuff is so safe,
you can get it in your eyes, so it can't have much in it.
At the follistat website,
they make the standard "too good to be true" claims:
They claim it's a "REVOLUTIONARY cosmetic breakthrough
that, when used with any method of hair removal, actually INHIBITS hair growth--wherever
you want, for as long as you want." Almost too good to be true, huh?
The hype continues with more bogus claims:
- "Formulated with a UNIQUE blend of exotic plant
enzymes (Phyto-Enzymatic-Proteins TM) or (P-E-P TM)
- [lie! not a registered trademark]
- "follistat is the first treatment of its kind
developed by scientists after years of research" and "extensive
clinical studies"
- [lie! no published medical proof available]
- "totally unique formula (patent pending)"
- [lie! no patents on file]
They claim it mimics alopecia: "As with male pattern
baldness, follistat inhibits hair growth." They further add that it's "a
high-tech duplication of naturally occurring scalp secretions that allow users
to create a highly manageable and controlled effect of site-specific baldness."
Mmm-hmm. Sure.
Caught in a contradiction
Now here's follistat's most bogus contradiction: They
state, "When used with customary hair removal methods it will inhibit hair
growth, eventually phasing out the need for hair removal procedures." I'll
believe it when I see the clinical data they brag about.
Then after claiming it can result in permanent hair removal,
they claim the effects are completely reversible. They say: "To regrow
hair in any area, simply stop using the product in that area. The hair will
return to its normal state of growth in approximately the same time it took
to stop hair growth in that area."
Like the other topicals, they want you to use a lot and
reorder more:
For maximum effectiveness, apply a generous amount
of follistat immediately after hair removal. Gently massage in. Do not rinse
off. Use twice or more daily for the first week, then at least once a day
until results are achieved. Continue to use follistat twice or more per week
for maintenance of treated area. Used as directed, follistat should produce
results in 3-6 weeks.
At least this stuff doesn't sound like it will leave
you with second-degree chamical burns like Epil-Stop and the lye-based topicals,
but it seems just as worthless for permanent hair removal. Save your money.
UHA Sport
From the same company that brings you follistat comes
UHA Sport. Same formula, same bottle, same price, and same information and graphics
on the UHA Sport website.
The difference seems to be that UHA Sport is geared to weightlifters, bikers,
swimmers, and other athletes who are considering hair removal.
Beyond that, it's the same worthless crap in a bottle.
Ultra Hair Away
Victoria Bodyworks
- 10836 West Saanich Road
- Sidney, BC V8L 5N8
- CANADA
The administrative contact for HAIRAWAY.COM is Geoff
MacKay
- 1228@SPRINT.CA
- GM ENT. BOX 2114 Victoria, BC V8L 3S6
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