Following an inspection carried out in June 2022 at the production site of the Joelle Ciocco brand in Conflans-Saint-Honorine (Yvelines) as well as at the head office in Paris, ANSM investigators found “that the company Capital Joëlle Ciocco did not comply with the regulations for cosmetic products”, explains the agency.
Laboratory tests have also proven that “certain products prepared specifically for customers contained a corticosteroidbetamethasone, which is used in the composition of medicines and which can only be used within the framework of a medical prescription”adds the ANSM in a press release.
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that has properties anti-inflammatories. It can be prescribed to treat certain dermatological pathologies, such as eczema, but should not be applied to the face unless formally prescribed by a doctor.
Skin fragility, acne or depigmentation
It can lead to side effectsparticularly to be feared in the event of prolonged use, such as a risk of thinning and fragility of the skin, an outbreak of acne or depigmentation.
“Consequently, we are suspending the manufacture, marketing, , distribution and use of cosmetic products from the Joëlle Ciocco Paris brand”of the “cosmetic products prepared specifically by the company Capital Joëlle Ciocco”as well as “specifically prepared products containing betamethasone”, writes the ANSM.
L’agence a “asked the company to withdraw all of its products from sale”.
“The major sections of the regulations applicable to cosmetic products were not respected”, explained to AFP Dominique Labbé deputy director of the ANSM inspection department, “therefore the decision to suspend until compliance has been taken”.
Compliance “is an achievable goal for the firm that can fill in its gaps”, she underlines, specifying that the decision to suspend the sale of cosmetic products of a brand, “is not frequent”. “We have a few”she explains.
Health authorities recommend “do not use anymore” Joëlle Ciocco products purchased and to consult a doctor in the event of an adverse effect.
