Certain GENIUS Collagen Products Contain ‘Fake’ Collagen Imitation, Class Action Lawsuit Says
Pepenella v. Algenist LLC et al.
Filed: November 15, 2024 ◆§ 1:24-cv-08688
Algenist faces a class action that claims some of the company’s GENIUS collagen cosmetics are misrepresented given that they contain a “fake imitation” of collagen.
New York
Algenist faces a proposed class action lawsuit that claims some of the company’s GENIUS collagen cosmetics are misrepresented given that they contain a “fake imitation” of collagen.
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The 16-page lawsuit says the products at issue—specifically, GENIUS Sleeping Collagen, GENIUS Liquid Collagen Essence and GENIUS Liquid Collagen—are labeled as being made with collagen, an animal-derived protein commonly used in skincare products for its potential anti-aging effects and other cosmetic benefits. However, contrary to these representations, the GENIUS products actually contain plant protein fibers designed to mimic the characteristics of animal-derived collagen, the case alleges.
According to the filing, Algenist’s imitation collagen is derived from corn, soy and wheat plant protein fibers.
“This substitution likely results in a higher profit margin for Algenist, as the production costs for corn, soy, and wheat fiber collagen are substantially lower than those associated with genuine animal collagen manufacturing,” the complaint claims.
The lawsuit notes that demand for collagen-infused products has skyrocketed in recent years, and Algenist has taken advantage of this trend by misleading consumers into thinking they are purchasing serums, creams and essences containing the sought-after ingredient, the suit contends.
“As a result of its deceptive conduct, Algenist is, and continues to be, unjustly enriched at the expense of their consumers,” the filing charges.
For instance, the plaintiff, a New York resident, says she paid a premium price for GENIUS Sleeping Collagen and GENIUS Liquid Collagen based on the alleged misrepresentations. The woman argues that she and other consumers would not have paid as much for the products—or bought them at all—had they known the cosmetics were not made with animal-based collagen.
The Algenist lawsuit looks to represent anyone in the United States who, during the maximum period of time permitted by law, purchased the GENIUS products mentioned above primarily for personal, family or household purposes and not for resale.
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