By Nature Lawsuit Claims Certain Collagen Cosmetics Contain No Collagen Whatsoever

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A proposed class action lawsuit alleges By Nature Skincare has deceived consumers given that several of its collagen products contain none of the essential protein at all.

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The 16-page By Nature Skincare lawsuit against Lanocorp USA Inc. says that the following serums, moisturizers, creams and masks, unbeknownst to consumers, contain no collagen and instead use a “fake imitation of collagen” derived from a synthetic extract of Acacia seyal tree bark and stems:

• By Nature Vitamin C + Collagen Face Serum;
• By Nature Vitamin C + Collagen Daily Moisturizer;
• By Nature Vitamin C + Collagen Cream Cleanser;
• By Nature Manuka Honey + Collagen + Probiotics Day Cream;
• By Nature Manuka Honey + Collagen + Probiotics Eye Cream; and
• By Nature Hydro Firm Face & Neck 2-in-1 Sheet Mask.

According to the complaint, the label of each of the By Nature products listed above includes “Acacia Seyal Gum Extract (Acacia Collagen)” in the ingredients list. The filing alleges By Nature’s apparent deception is underscored by the fact that several of the company’s other products, as well as similar products offered by competitors, do in fact contain genuine collagen, stated in the ingredients lists as “Hydrolyzed (Marine) Collagen.”

“As a result of its deceptive conduct, Defendant is, and continues to be, unjustly enriched at the expense of their consumers,” the suit claims.

Collagen is the most prevalent protein in animals, fish and humans, as the insoluble fibrous protein can be found in tendons, ligaments, the cornea, cartilage, bones, the gut, blood vessels and intervertebral discs, the lawsuit relays. In recent years, the popularity of collagen has skyrocketed due to its purported anti-aging effects, the case shares.

Importantly, real collagen is not found in plants, the suit highlights.

Per the filing, By Nature is among the major companies that have capitalized on the increasing consumer demand for collagen, though, “unlike most manufacturers,” the company “does not actually use collagen” in the products at issue. 

The acacia seyal gum extract found in the By Nature products at issue is a highly processed ingredient commonly used as a humectant, thickening agent and emulsifier, the complaint says.

“Despite Defendant’s mischaracterization, Acacia Gum, however, is not collagen,” the suit emphasizes. “Nor could it be, given that collagen is not found in plants.”

The case surmises that By Nature uses acacia seyal gum extract in place of genuine collagen as a cost-saving measure, as animal-derived collagen is substantially more expensive given the complex processes used to procure the raw material.

The By Nature collagen lawsuit looks to cover all individuals in the United States who, during the applicable statute of limitations period, bought any of the By Nature Skincare products listed on this page, primarily for personal, family or household use and not for resale.

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