Class Actions Claim ‘Natural’ Hygiene Products Contain Multiple Synthetic Ingredients

New to ClassAction.org? Read our Newswire Disclaimer

Two California residents have filed proposed class actions accusing Beaumont Products, Inc. and Rael, Inc. of falsely advertising their hygiene and feminine care products as natural given they contain numerous synthetic substances.

According to the 27- and 31-page complaints, the representations on Beaumont Products’ Essentials-brand soaps and Rael’s feminine hygiene wipes lead consumers to believe the products are made with all-natural ingredients and do not contain the artificial substances actually found inside.

Want to stay in the loop on class actions that matter to you? Sign up for ClassAction.org’s free weekly newsletter here.

The lawsuit against Beaumont claims that, though “Clearly Natural” and “Pure and Natural” are displayed prominently on the front labels of its hand soaps—including the Unscented Glycerin, Tea Tree, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera varieties—the products contain phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin, both synthetic ingredients.

Similarly, Rael’s plant-like logo is shown on the front label of its products near the word “Natural,” and the company’s website makes explicit claims about its commitment to natural and organic sources, the case against Rael explains. The complaint charges that based on Rael’s marketing, reasonable consumers would believe the products are all natural and do not contain the synthetic substances actually found in them, which allegedly include phenoxyethanol, polysorbate-20, sodium benzoate, citric acid, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, and butylene glycol.

The interest in all-natural products is increasing due to a belief that they are healthier and safer than those with synthetic components, the suits relay. According to the cases, shoppers are “willing to pay, and have paid, a premium for products branded ‘natural’ over products that contain synthetic ingredients.”

By misrepresenting their products, the defendants sought to benefit from consumers’ interest in all-natural products, the lawsuits claim, and have “exploit[ed] reasonable consumers by projecting that the Products are ‘natural’ and free of synthetic, bad ingredients,” the filings contend.

As a result of the defendants’ deceptive marketing, the soap and feminine hygiene wipes are sold at a premium price, the suits allege. According to the cases, reasonable consumers would not have paid as much for the products or purchased them at all had they been aware of the synthetic ingredients the goods contained.

The lawsuits look to represent anyone in the U.S. who purchased Beaumont Products’ Essentials-brand soap and/or Rael’s Natural Feminine Wipes during the applicable statute of limitations.

Get class action lawsuit news sent to your inbox – sign up for ClassAction.org’s free weekly newsletter here.