Lawsuit Investigation: Do Makeup Remover Wipes Contain Toxic Chemicals?

Last Updated on March 30, 2023

Investigation Complete

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have finished their investigation into this matter.

Check back for any potential updates. The information on this page is for reference only.

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At A Glance

This Alert Affects:
Anyone who purchased makeup wipes made by Billie or MAC Cosmetics
What’s Going On?
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have reason to suspect that the makeup remover wipes may contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS, which have been known to cause cancer and other health problems. They’re looking into whether a class action lawsuit can be filed on behalf of buyers.
What Are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals linked to cancer, decreased fertility, thyroid disease and more.
How Could a Lawsuit Help?
A class action lawsuit could help customers get their money back and potentially force the companies to change how they make or advertise the makeup wipes.

Attorneys are looking to hear from anyone who purchased the following makeup remover wipes:

  • Billie Wonder Wipes
  • MAC Cosmetics’ makeup wipes, including the Gently Off Wipes + Micellar Water product

Though each of these companies advertises its makeup remover wipes as made with safe or clean ingredients, the attorneys have reason to suspect that the wipes may contain toxic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Exposure to PFAS has been known to cause cancer, decreased fertility, thyroid disease and other health problems, and it’s believed that products containing these chemicals should not be advertised as clean or safe.

What Are PFAS and Why Might They Be in Consumer Products?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been in use since at least the 1950s in industrial and consumer products. They’re commonly called “forever chemicals” because they’re known to resist breaking down in the environment and can accumulate over time in soil, wildlife and even humans.

PFAS are also known to be resistant to oil, water and stains, and for this reason, they’ve been widely used in a variety of consumer products, including cosmetics. According to the FDA, PFAS are sometimes intentionally added to foundation, lipstick, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara and other makeup products in order to make the skin appear smooth and shiny or improve the product’s consistency and texture. The chemicals may also be present unintentionally in makeup if the ingredients are impure or break down.

Concerns have been raised about the use of PFAS in makeup applied near the eyes and mouth since the toxic chemicals could be easily absorbed or ingested in these areas, increasing a person’s risk of negative health problems.

Health Effects of PFAS

The Environmental Protection Agency warns that exposure to certain levels of PFAS could lead to the following health problems:

  • Decreased fertility
  • High blood pressure in pregnant women
  • Developmental effects or delays in children
  • Increased risk of cancer, including prostate, kidney and testicular cancer
  • Immune system interference, including reduced vaccine response
  • Hormone interference
  • Increased cholesterol levels or risk of obesity

According to the EPA, breastfeeding mothers or pregnant women with PFAS in their blood may also be able to pass on the toxic chemicals to their children.

For this reason, the attorneys believe consumers who purchased the makeup remover wipes listed above – which have been advertised as containing ingredients that “do no harm” and are “clean” and “safe” – may have been misled.

How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help?

A class action lawsuit could help customers get back some of the money they spent on potentially toxic makeup remover wipes. A lawsuit could also force Billie and MAC to change how they advertise or make their products. 

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