L’Oreal Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Presence of PFAS Chemicals

The lawsuit was filed after independent laboratory testing identified elevated levels of toxic chemicals in six L’Oreal and Maybelline waterproof mascara products.

According to allegations raised in a recently filed class action lawsuit, L’Oreal falsely advertised its waterproof mascara products as safe, when in fact that cosmetics contain toxic synthetic compounds that have been linked to an increased risk of thyroid problems, cancer and other immunotoxic side effects.

The complaint (PDF) was filed by Rebecca Vega in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on April 8, claiming L’Oreal fails to disclose that multiple lines of its waterproof mascara cosmetic products contain harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Serious concerns have emerged in recent years about long-term side effects of PFAS chemicals, which have been used in a number of different products, including some food packaging materials, pizza boxes, popcorn bags, fabrics and nonstick cooking pans. However, the biggest problems linked to the chemicals have come from fire fighting foam, known as aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), which have caused widespread PFAS water contamination near airports, military bases and other fire training facilities, as well as reports of cancer among firefighters directly exposed to high levels of the chemicals.

The L’Oreal class action lawsuit alleges that the manufacturer intentionally concealed information that six brand lines of waterproof mascara contains the cancer-causing chemicals, and that the company deceptively marketed the products as safe for use around the eyes, where the chemical could easily seep into the bloodstream.

The complaint cites a 2021 study performed by researchers at Notre Dame, which analyzed 231 cosmetic products from popular retails such as Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond to determine whether there was a presence of fluorine, which is an indicator of the presence of PFAS. The research indicates 29 products tested contained long-chain PFAS without any disclosure.

Following the release of the report, the lawsuit states independent third-party testing was performed and identified detectable levels of PFAS in the following L’Oreal waterproof mascara products;

• L’Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara, 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

Vega claims that L’Oreal deceptively purports that the company maintains scientific research centers across the world and makes claims such as “The Quality and Safety of Our Products Are Our Priority” and “Going above and beyond industry standards” ” by “providing the best ingredients, formulation, and performance”, when, in fact, the products contain synthetic chemicals that could pose serious harm to its consumers.

The lawsuit alleges L’Oreal knew its customers would rely on the packaging, labeling, ingredient list, and disclosures, yet continues to omit the fact that PFAS are detectable at harmful levels, placing profits over consumer safety. The lawsuit further notes that other waterproof cosmetic products sold by L’Oreal, such as lipstick, may also contain PFAS, since they involve similar ingredients. However, at this time no research proving this claims has been brought forth.

Vega’s lawsuit seeks class action status to represent herself and all other similarly situated, bringing forth claims of fraud, unjust enrichment, and breach of express and implied warranty, among others.