It is not a shortcut for FDA approval — FDA does not pre-approve cosmetic claims. Cosmetic labeling and marketing still must be truthful and not misleading, and claims that cross into treating disease or affecting body structure or function can change the regulatory category.
Study design determines how much the phrase means — Ask whether the exact finished product was tested, whether there was a comparison or placebo group, whether participants and assessors were blinded, how many people completed the study and whether the outcome was meaningful.
Read beyond the badge — A systematic review of cosmetic peptide studies found that many published studies lacked placebo controls or double-blinding. A 'clinically tested' badge therefore needs the actual protocol and results behind it before you can judge the strength of evidence.