Jessica Alba and the Honest Company Respond to $5 Million Class Action Lawsuit

The class action lawsuit seeks damages for what plaintiff Jonathan Rubin claims was deceptive and misleading marketing. The lawsuit provides evidence that The Honest Company marketed themselves at a premium based on claims that their ingredients were natural and effective.

imageReblogged from ori345love

The lawsuit also references previous complaints of their sunscreen product being ineffective.

The lawsuit goes on to point out ingredients that the plaintiff identifies as synthetic.

Labelling a cosmetic or skin care product as “natural” isn’t regulated the same way that “organic” is. Cocamidopropyl betaine is often made with coconut oil, but it involves processing with dimethylaminopropylamine, a synthetic chemical.

Read the full class action lawsuit (PDF)

Jessica Alba’s and The Honest Company’s response to the lawsuit is below:

Seven years ago, when I was pregnant with my first daughter, I was frustrated by the lack of healthy and safe product options for me and my new family. In fact, prior to launching The Honest Company, I began lobbying Congress to require that ingredients used in everyday products are tested for safety prior to entry into the marketplace.

I started The Honest Company to develop safe and effective products not just for my children, but for families everywhere. I am very proud that we have built this company into an industry leader focused on using natural ingredients and developing products that people love.

We believe that consumers deserve to know what’s in their products — whether it’s diapers for their children, cleaning products for their families or beauty products for themselves. Our formulations are made with integrity and strict standards of safety, and we label each ingredient that goes into every product – not because we have to, but because it’s the right thing to do.

The allegations against us are baseless and without merit. We strongly stand behind our products and the responsibility we have to our consumers. We are steadfast in our commitment to transparency and openness.

I know my children, Honor and Haven, are growing up in a safer home because of our products.

From Pret-A-Reporter

If the lawsuit is successful this may have an impact on how the “natural” label is used on cosmetic and personal care products.

The Honest Company is set to launch Honest Beauty this fall, a collection of 17 skin care products and 66 make up products.