Ethical Marketing and PR Policy

Ethical Marketing & PR Policy

Prescription Skincare
Version: 1.0
Last updated: October 9, 2026

1. Purpose of this Policy

At Prescription, we believe that marketing and public relations (PR) should make a positive contribution to transparency, trust, and sustainable choices. Our communications reflect our core values: honesty, responsibility, scientific substantiation, and respect for people and the environment.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all marketing and communications issued on behalf of Prescription are ethical, truthful, verifiable, and compliant with applicable laws and regulations. This policy also helps prevent misleading communications, greenwashing, and other forms of unethical communication.

2. Scope

This policy applies to everyone communicating on behalf of Prescription, including employees, management, interns, freelancers, marketing/PR/communications agencies, influencers, creators, ambassadors, distributors, and other external partners.

It applies to all internal and external communications, including marketing campaigns, advertisements, social media, influencer marketing, websites, webshops, email marketing, press releases, PR activities, media relations, interviews, events, packaging, labels, product information, presentations, press kits, and all other commercial and non-commercial communications.

Anyone communicating on behalf of Prescription is expected to comply with this policy.

3. Our Principles

3.1 Honesty
We communicate honestly, clearly, and in a verifiable manner. We publish only information that can reasonably be verified, avoid misleading or exaggerated statements, clearly distinguish facts from expectations and opinions, and promptly correct inaccurate or outdated information.

3.2 Transparency
We communicate openly about our organization, products, and partnerships. Paid collaborations are clearly disclosed, influencers comply with advertising regulations, editorial content is distinguished from commercial communications, and relevant interests or sponsorships are disclosed.

3.3 Respect and Inclusion
We treat everyone with respect. We avoid discriminatory or stereotypical content, use inclusive language and imagery where possible, communicate respectfully and accessibly, avoid manipulative sales techniques such as false urgency or scarcity, and take extra care when communicating with vulnerable audiences.

3.4 Privacy and Data Use
We process personal data in accordance with applicable privacy laws, use personal data only for predefined purposes, never sell personal data, share data only on a valid legal basis, and respect customers' communication preferences.

3.5 Fair Product and Sustainability Claims
Customers should be able to rely on the information we provide. Product claims are based on reliable data, scientific research, or demonstrable test results, do not create unrealistic expectations, use scientific terminology only when factually correct, and are carefully worded. Before-and-after photos, testimonials, and reviews are only used when they present realistic outcomes.

Greenwashing
Prescription avoids all forms of greenwashing. Sustainability claims are only made when substantiated by evidence, supported by data, certifications, or reliable sources. General terms such as 'green', 'sustainable', 'eco', or 'environmentally friendly' are only used with appropriate explanation. We communicate honestly about both progress and remaining challenges and acknowledge when objectives have not yet been fully achieved.

3.6 Claim Substantiation
All product, health, efficacy, and sustainability claims are reviewed before publication and supported by appropriate documentation such as scientific studies, laboratory reports, supplier information, certifications, internal documentation, or other reliable sources. Supporting evidence is retained internally and made available to regulators or certification bodies upon request. Claims are updated or withdrawn promptly when new evidence requires this.

3.7 Legal and Ethical Compliance
We comply with all applicable laws relating to consumer protection, advertising, privacy, influencer marketing, cosmetics, health and product claims, and intellectual property. International communications also take local laws and cultural differences into account.

4. Public Relations (PR)

Our PR activities follow the same ethical principles as our marketing. We provide accurate, verifiable, and complete information to journalists and media, communicate honestly about our products and organization, avoid misleading statements and unfounded promises, respect journalistic independence, protect confidential information, and maintain professional and ethical relationships with media and stakeholders.

5. Our Social Responsibility

Prescription aims to contribute to a fairer, more transparent, and more sustainable marketplace. We encourage conscious consumption rather than overconsumption, communicate honestly about both the benefits and limitations of our products, collaborate where possible with organizations that share our values, and never use communications to influence public policy or opinion in a misleading manner.

6. Implementation, Responsibilities and Complaints

All marketing and PR communications are reviewed before publication for compliance with this policy.

Review criteria include accuracy, completeness, legal compliance, adherence to this policy, substantiation of product, health, and sustainability claims, and the risk of misleading communications, including greenwashing. Internal experts or external specialists may be consulted where necessary.

Final approval of marketing and PR communications: Esther Meijer-Litjens
Policy owner: Maxime van den Berg

External partners receive this policy at the start of their collaboration and are expected to comply with it. Questions, comments, or complaints can be submitted through Prescription's customer service or standard complaints procedure. Reports are recorded, assessed, and used to improve communications. Communications that do not comply with this policy are amended or withdrawn as quickly as possible.

7. Review

This policy is reviewed at least annually and updated where necessary based on changes in legislation, organizational developments, stakeholder feedback, changes to B Corp standards, and new insights into ethical marketing and communications.

8. Inclusive Language Guide — Dutch and English 

All external communications in Dutch and English must follow the approved terminology below. Avoid language that shames, stereotypes, excludes, stigmatizes, or promises unsubstantiated outcomes. Context matters; review translations separately rather than translating prohibited wording literally.

ENGLISH — Preferred: “all skin tones”, “skin concerns”, “skin with visible signs of ageing”, “supports the skin barrier”, “may help improve the appearance of…”, “individual skin needs”, “people of all genders”. Avoid: “normal skin” when used to imply other skin is abnormal; “flawless/perfect skin”; “anti-ageing miracle”; “fix your imperfections”; “guaranteed cure”; “for women only” unless factually justified; “chemical-free”; “100% sustainable” without adequate evidence.

DUTCH — Preferred: “alle huidtinten”, “huidbehoeften”, “huid met zichtbare tekenen van huidveroudering”, “ondersteunt de huidbarrière”, “kan helpen de zichtbaarheid van … te verminderen”, “persoonlijke huidbehoeften”, “mensen van alle genders”. Vermijd: “normale huid” als andere huidtypen daardoor als afwijkend worden neergezet; “perfecte/vlekkeloze huid”; “wondermiddel tegen veroudering”; “repareert al je imperfecties”; “gegarandeerde genezing”; “alleen voor vrouwen” tenzij aantoonbaar relevant; “vrij van chemicaliën”; “100% duurzaam” zonder voldoende onderbouwing.

For medical, environmental and efficacy claims, the evidence and legal review requirements in Sections 3.5–3.7 continue to apply. The guide is reviewed at least annually and whenever new markets or external communication languages are introduced.

9. Ethical Collection and Use of Images, Video and Personal Stories 

Before collecting identifiable images, videos, testimonials, before-and-after photographs or personal stories, the responsible content owner explains the intended purpose, channels, potential audience, expected duration of use, and any editing or paid partnership. Obtain and record a valid legal basis and, where appropriate, explicit documented permission; for minors, apply the additional legal requirements and safeguarding controls.

Consent records and original assets must be stored in access-controlled company systems with a link to the campaign, approved channels, usage scope and retention or review date. Do not reuse content for a new purpose without checking permission and legal basis. Limit access to authorized personnel and share with agencies only under appropriate contractual and privacy safeguards.

Never manipulate before-and-after imagery to exaggerate outcomes, present stock images as actual customers, fabricate quotes, or imply that results are typical without substantiation. Ensure respectful and diverse representation and check that captions accurately reflect the person’s own words and experience.

Provide an accessible channel for withdrawal or objections. When a valid withdrawal or removal request is received, assess it promptly, stop future uses where required, remove material from controlled channels where legally required and reasonably possible, and document actions and any limits for third-party or printed materials. Follow the company privacy notice and applicable retention rules.

10. Responsible Use of AI in Communications 

Prescription uses AI tools only as support for brainstorming, idea development and text correction, as confirmed by the company. AI suggestions must not be published automatically; a human author reviews, rewrites as needed, verifies claims, checks inclusivity and privacy, and obtains the normal pre-publication approval.

AI must not be used to fabricate people, testimonials, before-and-after results, customer stories or product-performance evidence. Do not enter confidential, sensitive or identifiable customer or employee information into external AI tools without prior authorization and a lawful basis.

Because brainstorming may contribute to creative content generation, Prescription does not claim an unconditional exemption from JEDI2.p.2. The policy owner records the tools and use cases, checks whether the standard applies, and updates these safeguards if AI use expands to generated final copy, images, audio or video.

11. Distribution, Training and Evidence 

The policy owner, Maxime van den Berg, maintains a list of all internal workers whose roles include producing or approving external communications, including employees, interns and relevant temporary workers. Each receives the current policy and language/content guide before undertaking such work and after material revisions.

Final approval of external marketing and PR communications remains with Esther Meijer-Litjens, as specified in the published policy. The policy owner monitors implementation and escalates repeated breaches for corrective action.