CoverGirl Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Toxic Chemicals in TruBlend Pressed Powder Cosmetics

According to allegations raised in a recently filed class action lawsuit, certain CoverGirl TruBlend Pressed Powder cosmetic products expose consumers to toxic chemicals, which have been linked to thyroid problems, cancer and other immunotoxic side effects.

The complaint (PDF) was filed by Yeraldinne Solis in the United States District Court Southern District of California on March 25, claiming that Cover Girl Cosmetics and Coty Inc. falsely advertised “TruBlend Pressed Powder” as safe for use, when in fact they 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 water contamination from fire fighting foam, known as aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs), which have dumped large volumes of the chemicals into the environment near military bases, airports and other training facilities.

The CoverGirl class action lawsuit filed by Solis claims the manufacturer intentionally concealed information that its TruBlend Pressed Powder cosmetic products contains the cancer causing chemicals, and deceptively marketed the products with claims such as “safe” and “sustainable”.

The complaint cites the results of a recent study performed by GMO Free USA d/b/a Toxin Free USA, which found CoverGirl’s TruBlend Pressed Powder contained 6,242 parts per million (ppm) of organic fluorine, which is considered an environmental and industrial contaminant, as well as an indicator of the presence of PFAS.

The study, conducted by Toxin Free USA, warned PFAS exposure may increase the risk of high cholesterol, thyroid disease, pregnancy complications, hypertension, ulcerative colitis, and kidney and testicular cancer, which are all side effects that have been linked to human exposure to PFAS. That conclusion has been supported by research conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Solis claims CoverGirl products pose an increased risk of long-term adverse health side effects as consumers apply the products directly to their skin. The lawsuit states since these products are directed to be used throughout the day, and near the eyes and mouth, the risk of absorption and ingestion is high.

According to the allegation raised in the lawsuit, CoverGirl chose to put profits over consumer safety, resulting in economic losses to consumers who paid a premium for the products, as well as potential health risks from exposure to synthetic carcinogenic chemicals.

PFAS In Firefighter Foam

The case joins a growing number of firefighter foam lawsuits filed over PFAS exposure and the consequences throughout the United States. Many of the claims involve lawsuits by firefighters diagnosed with cancer after regular exposure to AFFFs during fire training and response exercises, but others have been filed by municipalities and residents of areas suffering from PFAS water contamination.

These chemicals have been contained in firefighting foams used by the U.S. military for decades during training exercises and in response to petroleum-based fires. However, since then PFAS have been linked to cancer and a myriad of adverse health effects, including liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, and hormone suppression.

The chemicals are often referred to as “forever chemicals”, since they are known to persist in the environment and body for long periods of time, increasing the long-term risk of cancer.