How to Avoid Violations with Supplements on TikTok Shop

Dealing with TikTok Shop violations is a common source of stress for creators. While supplements are among the platform's best-selling products, they are also one of the most frequent reasons for these violations. Here are TikTok’s best practices for having success promoting health products & supplements, while avoiding violations.

Violations You Need to Look Out For 

In marketing and product descriptions, exaggerated descriptions and absolute claims are statements that use hyperbole or definitive language to make a product seem superior or unique—often without verified evidence to support these claims. Examples include phrases like "No.1 product," "100% natural," or promises that a product can produce “instant” results or cure ailments. Statements such as "This cosmetic will remove acne in one week" or “This food product prevents cancer” fall into this category. While these claims may be tempting for promoting a product, platforms enforce strict guidelines to prevent misleading consumers. Sellers who make unsupported claims risk penalties that could affect their accounts. Appeals are available for those impacted by enforcement actions, but sellers must stay within the guidelines to avoid serious repercussions.

‍

Behaviors to Avoid 

Strict guidelines are in place to prevent misleading consumers with weight management and health-related product claims. For packaging, creators may promote products without hiding claims already present on the packaging; however, they should avoid restating or paraphrasing the label’s text in audio, video, or captions, as this can be construed as making an explicit claim. False claims or statements about a product’s health benefits are not allowed in any format. Direct statements about a product’s ability to cure or prevent medical conditions—whether stated by the creator or implied through imagery—are also violations. For instance, showing doctors or severe medical conditions (such as cancer or Alzheimer’s) alongside a product implies an endorsement or medical benefit, which is prohibited.

Key phrases linking products to medical claims will lead to violations, particularly if they suggest effects like "cure," "prevent," or "relieve." Claims like "this tea removes parasites," "better than a prescription-only product," or "a miracle cure for PTSD" are banned. It is also a violation to discourage professional healthcare consultation, encourage self-diagnosis, or imply that a product is endorsed by medical professionals. Content that pairs a product with terms suggesting it can prevent or cure conditions like diabetes, cancer, or HIV is highly regulated to protect consumers from potentially dangerous misinformation.

Workarounds and What YOU Can Say 

            When promoting a healthy lifestyle, general wellness tips can be shared safely without making explicit weight loss or medical claims. Examples include sharing how certain habits “enhance my energy,” “help reduce bloating,” or “support my well-being.” Other suggestions like “helps detoxify the body,” “gut cleanse,” and “helps me feel less sluggish” are also acceptable when not linked to specific weight loss or health condition claims. Adding disclaimers such as “your results may vary,” “do your research before trying,” and “consult a healthcare provider” emphasizes responsible health practices and encourages personalized advice from accredited sources.

Content focused on general wellness—such as relaxation, energy, and overall well-being—along with personal experiences can be shared as long as they don’t attribute results to specific non-exempted products. Some products are exempt from strict claim restrictions and may safely include wellness claims; these include sports or fitness equipment, body measuring devices, wellness-related books, clothing, and general coaching or diet/exercise plans. These exemptions support sharing balanced, safe health information that promotes lifestyle improvements without overstepping into unverifiable or misleading territory.

For more information on TikTok Shop violations and how to avoid misleading claims, visit the TikTok seller center here: https://seller-us.tiktok.com/university/essay?knowledge_id=4581457528194817&default_language=en&identity=1

‍