From the March 12, 1777,
Pennsylvania Gazette, was this following ad for Dr. Ryan's incomparable worm destroying SUGAR PLUMBS, necessary to all families:
The plumb is a great diurectic, cleaning the veins of slime; it expels wind, and is a sovereign medicine in the cholic and griping of the guts. It allays and carries off vapours which occasion many disorders of the head. It opens all obstructions in the stomach, lungs, liver, veins and bladder; causes a good appetite, and helps digestion.
These ads used to be common.
The FTC Act wasn't passed until 1914, to supplement the Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890 and the Clayton Act of 1914 (which centered on unfair competition), to address deceptive and unfair marketing practices. The FTC regulates advertising and is enforced by The Bureau of Consumer Protection. Its power to regulate advertising has grown over time.
You can complain about false or deceptive advertising to either your state consumer protection agency or the FTC, but both are mostly concerned with safety issues and any physical harm that may come to consumers. They are not as concerned that someone who purchases a product may not have the glossy teeth, shining hair or flawless skin of the (generally beautiful) models who help promote the products. If the person breaks out in a rash due to the contents, they may show interest. So might the FDA.
(I have way too much time on my hands today
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