Summary of words that violate Facebook policies that Marketers must know
I. Words that violate Facebook policies

1. Health-Related Terms
One of the most strictly regulated categories of words on Facebook is those related to healthcare. Therefore, when posting ads, it’s important to avoid the following to ensure compliance with Facebook’s policies:
- Terms related to body parts or medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney issues, joint problems, cirrhosis, asthma, and more. Even accidentally using these terms can lead to policy violations.
- Words related to patients or medical records like “patient,” “medical records,” or “clinic” are also restricted.
- Negative or distressing terms are on the banned list, including phrases such as “treatment by a doctor,” “death,” “passed away,” “painful,” or “desperate.”
2. Prohibited Financial Terms
Finance is a sensitive topic on Facebook, and many individuals have exploited Facebook ads for fraudulent activities targeting users. As a result, terms related to finance are considered restricted in Facebook advertising. Specifically, the following terms are prohibited:
- Loans
- Money and Finance
- Interest Rates and Loans
- Taxation
- Lending
- Disbursement

3. Terms Related to Chemical Ingredients and Chemicals
4. Terms Related to Racism and Gender Discrimination
Racial and gender discrimination is a sensitive issue globally, and Facebook also restricts such content to protect users from harm. The following categories of terms are prohibited:
- Gender-related terms: “Female,” “male,” “her/him,” “man/woman,” etc.
- Country-related terms: “Vietnam,” “USA,” “France,” “Japan,” “South Korea,” “China,” “Laos,” “Cambodia,” etc.
- Racial terms: “People of color,” “white people,” “black people,” “Asian people,” “European people,” etc.
Using these sensitive terms frequently or inappropriately in ads may result in violations of Facebook’s policies. It’s best to avoid these terms to ensure smoother Facebook advertising campaigns.

In order to create a healthy environment for users, Facebook blocks words related to racism and sexism
5. Terms Related to Training, Employment, and Office Leasing
Facebook is also known as one of the most popular platforms for recruitment and job searching. You can find posts related to job listings, training courses, office leasing, or advertisements for companies offering these services. However, many organizations exploit this by using misleading or fraudulent tactics to deceive users.
Therefore, words related to training, job searching, and recruitment are considered violations of Facebook’s policies. Some common restricted terms include:
- Recruitment
- Training
- Employment
It’s important to avoid using these words when advertising related services to comply with Facebook’s advertising rules.
6.Terms Related to Surveillance Cameras and Security Cameras
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III. Incorrect Use of the Word “Facebook”
IV. Inappropriate Images in Facebook Ads
Facebook is also strict about the images used in posts, especially to avoid those containing inappropriate or offensive content. Specifically, images with the following types of content will be rejected:
- Sensitive Images: Ads containing images of private body parts or sensitive content are prohibited. These images violate Facebook’s policy and are categorized as restricted content.
Shops selling lingerie, beauty products, or cosmetics often face this issue. Facebook will not approve images of this nature to maintain a healthy social media environment and prevent discomfort for users.

V. Comparison Ads (Before and After) Are Prohibited by Facebook
One of the common mistakes that advertisers make is using comparison ads, especially those showing “before and after” images. These types of ads are often used to build trust with customers and enhance the brand’s reputation. However, Facebook prohibits such ads, particularly those comparing bodies, objects, or products, due to their potential to mislead or exaggerate results.
Comparison ads, especially “before and after” images, are frequently seen on Facebook. This advertising method is on the list of prohibited content, as it can create unrealistic expectations and may violate Facebook’s policies aimed at ensuring ads are truthful and fair to users.

VI. Using Trademarked Terms Violates Copyright Policies
A common issue on Facebook is the misuse of well-known brand names to promote counterfeit or knock-off products, such as Chanel, Dior, Adidas, Nike, and others. To prevent fraudulent behavior and the exploitation of these famous brands, Facebook strictly prohibits posts that use these brand names without permission.
Moreover, using the logos of major brands to advertise a business is also forbidden by Facebook. To ensure that your post gets approved, avoid using any content that infringes on trademark rights.
VII. Using Text Over 20% in Ad Images
Facebook’s algorithm detects ads that contain more than 20% text in their images. If you violate this rule, you’ll receive a notification stating, “Your ad may not be approved because the image contains too much text.”
To avoid being flagged, make sure the text in your images does not exceed 20%. You can use online tools to check the text-to-image ratio and optimize your visuals for approval.

VIII. Account History of Violations or Reports
If your ads are being blocked despite avoiding the use of prohibited terms and following Facebook’s ad guidelines, it’s likely due to the account’s previous violations of Facebook’s advertising policies. Here are specific actions that can contribute to an account being flagged for policy breaches:
- Not adhering to Facebook’s ad policies.
- Spamming ads or using Wi-Fi IP addresses to bypass Facebook’s ad system.
- Repeated violations of ad conditions.
- Inactive ad account or irregular ad activities.
- Failing to pay for ads on time.
- Suspicious behavior or violations by administrators within the same ad account.
If you want to continue advertising on Facebook, you may need to create a new account and ensure you follow all Facebook policies to avoid future issues.
IX. Unable to Run Ads Due to Facebook System Errors

X. Some Words to Avoid in Facebook Ads
In addition to the terms already mentioned, there are other words that violate Facebook’s advertising policies and should be avoided, including:
- Acne, scars
- Tobacco products
- Sensitive body parts, weight gain, weight loss
- Bones, joints, sinusitis, dietary supplements, dieting, alcohol
- Household registration book, land title deed, passport, driver’s license, dating