Cosmetics are applied directly to the skin, usually to the face, and even around the eyes and mouth, and consumers must trust cosmetics companies to make sure their products are safe. The complaint for this class action brings suit against L’Oreal USA, Inc., alleging that its waterproof mascaras are in fact not safe and contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a line of synthetic materials that may have toxic effects.
The class for this action is all consumers who bought the products anywhere in the US during the applicable statute of limitations period. A New York Subclass has also been defined, for those who bought the products in New York. The products at issue include the following:
- L’Oréal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara
- L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise™ Waterproof Mascara
- Maybelline Volum’ Express the Falsies Waterproof Mascara
- Maybelline Volum’ Express Total Temptation Waterproof Mascara
- Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara
- Maybelline Total Temptation Waterproof Mascara
L’Oreal lists the active and inactive ingredients of the mascaras on the packaging, but the complaint alleges it never discloses the presence of PFAS.
According to the complaint, “PFAS are a widely recognized group of man-made synthetic chemicals that are made up of incredibly dangerous substances, especially in the context of applying them to the skin. The complaint alleges that they can be dangerous to humans even in small amounts, because they bioaccumulate, that is, they build up in the body over time.
The complaint says that the mascaras are particularly dangerous in that they are applied around the skin and eyes, which allows them to be absorbed or find their way into the body.
Problems that may be caused by PFAS, the complaint alleges, include cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, increased risk of asthma, and thyroid disease. The complaint also refers to reports that cite a “Probable Link” between one PFAS—PFOA—and “pregnancy induced hypertension, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, testicular cancer, kidney cancer and high cholesterol.”
L’Oreal knew what was in the ingredients of the mascaras, the complaint alleges, or could have obtained information from its suppliers, as to whether the ingredients contained PFAS. The company claims to choose suppliers “who are experts in their field” so that it can be sure of “the quality, effectiveness, and traceability of our products.” The complaint also quotes the company as saying that “The Quality and Safety of Our Products Are Our Priority[.]”
According to the complaint, however, PFAS are sometimes used deliberately in making consumer products because they can “help products become resistant to water, grease, and stains[.]” They may also be added “to increase their long-term wearability and to make skin appear shimmery and smooth. PFAS can also increase product durability, product consistency, and water resistance.”
Article Type: LawsuitTopic: Consumer
Most Recent Case Event
L’Oreal Waterproof Mascaras Contain PFAS Complaint
May 13, 2022
Cosmetics are applied directly to the skin, usually to the face, and even around the eyes and mouth, and consumers must trust cosmetics companies to make sure their products are safe. The complaint for this class action brings suit against L’Oreal USA, Inc., alleging that its waterproof mascaras are in fact not safe and contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a line of synthetic materials that may have toxic effects.
L’Oreal Waterproof Mascaras Contain PFAS ComplaintCase Event History
L’Oreal Waterproof Mascaras Contain PFAS Complaint
May 13, 2022
Cosmetics are applied directly to the skin, usually to the face, and even around the eyes and mouth, and consumers must trust cosmetics companies to make sure their products are safe. The complaint for this class action brings suit against L’Oreal USA, Inc., alleging that its waterproof mascaras are in fact not safe and contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a line of synthetic materials that may have toxic effects.
L’Oreal Waterproof Mascaras Contain PFAS Complaint