• by Ray Schultz , June 29, 2023

Dotdash Meredith has pulled an InStyle article on Biossance Squalane & Marine Algae Cream after the BBB’s National Advertising Division inquired about an ad for the product. 

NAD inquired whether the ad format caused readers to think that the ads and product performance claims were editorial content. 

Also, NAD questioned whether Reese Witherspoon, who purportedly has approved the eye cream, was clearly identified as a Biossance brand ambassador.

Dotdash Meredith says it has permanently removed the article from the InStyle website and all of its other distribution channels “for business reasons independent of the NAD inquiry.”

Update: Dotdash Meredith confirmed that the ad and the article were the same thing. 

NAD insists that consumers must be provided with information about any economic relationships between online media and publishing.

In addition, NAD cautions that it must be clear if content is advertising or editorial.

Dotdash Meredith says in an advertiser statement that it is committed “to editorial integrity and transparency, including by ensuring that its editorial content is not influenced by commercial interests.” It thanked NAD for “engaging with us on these issues and providing additional guidance to the publishing industry as practices and standards continue to evolve.”