Unilever faces class action lawsuits in multiples in Illinois, New Jersey, and Canada due to its TRESemmé shampoo and keratin softener, causing scalp irritation and hair loss. Complaints have become more common after the FDA updated on March 2, 2021, the formaldehyde in hair straightening products. Two Philadelphia women, Robyn Lipetz, and Shannon Keener, are demanding compensation from Unilever and its distributor, Conopco Inc. after suffering serious damages, including hair loss and scalp burns. The products mentioned contain DMDM hydantoin, a chemical that releases formaldehyde.
It is used as a preservative to prevent cosmetics from spoiling, but it is highly disputed as there are safer options. Unilever, as plaintiffs alleged, violated the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, as well as several laws of fraud at consumer, according to the Class Action Lawsuit. He maintains that the company committed a criminal act by failing to warn about DMDM hydantoin, which is considered fraud and unjust enrichment. The advertisements of TRESemmé indicate that their products are healing and nutritious, but the complaint argues that Unilever has been aware of the danger of the aforementioned substance for more than a decade.
Which Is Lipetz’s Argument for Starting the Class Action Lawsuit?
Lipetz, 67, used the shampoo TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Color for only two weeks and began to experience irritation and hair loss. Keener, 32, had a more severe experience after using the same shampoo and the conditioner, which led her to use medical treatment. The two women found no warnings about the potential for harm on product labeling or in marketing materials. Unilever.
Since the filing of the lawsuit, other legal actions who report similar damages from the use of products TRESemmé. The plaintiffs they claim that Unilever did not correctly reveal that DMDM hydantoin can cause major problems such as hair loss and scalp lesions. A Class Action Lawsuit in New Jersey believes that the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth shampoo is unsafe for sale, since Unilever has continued to use a highly harmful ingredient despite being aware of its harmful effects. In Canada, similar complaints have been made highlighting that there are safe alternatives to the DMDM hydantoin, but Unilever continues to use this preservative in its products. The FDA has warned that many hair straightening products, such as those from TRESemmé, can release formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, when used.
What to Expect From This Lawsuit Against Unilever
The class action lawsuit, led by Lipetz, seeks to represent all customers of TRESemmé who have suffered similar damage. His lawyers estimate that there are “thousands, if not hundreds, of thousands” of potential members for this Class Action Lawsuit. The request is based on a series of accusations against Unilever due to the lack of information and misleading marketing of their products.
The FDA has highlighted the risks associated with formaldehyde and its potential to generate short- and long-term adverse health effects. In this context, consumers who have had bad experiences such as hair loss or damage to the scalp after using products are invited to TRESemmé to share their experiences. The Hair Loss Class Action Lawsuit is Robyn Lipetz, et al. v. Unilever United States, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:20-cv-06350, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
