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[DoktorEvil]

Followup to : http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1053062

http://consumerist.com/2015/09/04/l...-products-are-dishonest-about-natural-claims/

The lawsuit [PDF], which seeks at least $5 million in damages for the proposed class, argues that The Honest Company deceptively and misleadingly labels and markets its products – specifically its hand soap, diapers, dish soap, multi-surface cleaner and sunscreen.

According to the complaint, starting in 2012 The Honest Company entered into a marketing campaign that systematically labeled its products as “natural” or “effective.”

As a result of these marketing efforts, Honest sells the products to consumers at a 10% to 20% premium.

The plaintiff claims that he purchased the Honest products in lieu of other cheaper options based on the company’s representation that they were natural and effective.

“Contrary to the company name, Honest’s marketing claims are misleading, deceptive, and/or untrue,” the suit states.

While “natural” in the context of Honest products means each item contains no artificial ingredients, the suit claims that isn’t the case.

Honest soap, dish soap, surface cleaner and diapers are in fact made with unnatural additives including Methylisothiazolinone, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Phenoxyethanol, and Sodium Polycrylate, according to the suit.

“Honest’s conduct harms consumers by inducing them to purchase and consume the products on the false premise that they are natural and effective, when in fact four of the five products contain ingredients that are not natural, and one of the five Products is ineffective.” the suit states.

The plaintiff bases his claims that the products are hazardous on research from the Environmental Working Group that found ingredients used in the products exceed the organization’s “low hazard” threshold.

Following the complaints from consumers, Alba and co-founder Christopher Gavigan released a statement to People saying the company was “committed to providing safe and effective products” and reminded consumer to use the product as directed.

“Our sunscreen Lotion was tested, by an independent 3rd party, again the protocols prescribed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s monograph for over-the-counter sunscreen products,” the company said in the statement “The results showed that our product is effective and safe for use as an 80 minute water-resistant (FDA’s highest rating), SPF 30 sunscreen lotion in accordance with FDA regulations when used as directed (Shake Well. Apply liberally and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying and at least every 2 hours).”

In all, the suit seeks to provide refunds to all customers who purchased the specified products, a total estimated to be $5 million.

Class Action Lawsuit:

https://consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/1-main.pdf

 

[BlackGoku03]

I have a friend who swears by honest diapers. I personally don't give a shit they have nice designs, I'm spending less money on Pampers.

Maybe this will get her to stop pimping it so hard. It's all she talks about.

 

[ThreePiMatt]

argues that The Honest Company deceptively and misleadingly labels and markets its products

Oh, this is great.

 

[Ray Wonder]

I've never lied before in my life.

 

[bionic77]

If they would have just gone with the original name of skeezy motherfuckers like was suggested by the legal team they would not have created these unrealistic expectations of being honest and they could have avoided this lawsuit.

 

[Pilgrimzero]

So normal advertising then. Like "Farm Fresh" is actually a pretty wide open remark.

 

[RedNumberFive]

Too expensive.

It's Kirkland diapers and wipes for my family.

 

[Mighty Chin]

Sounds frivolous.

 

[Siegcram]

The Honest Company

Least trustworthy and most suspicious company name of all time. Good job, Nancy.

 

[gdt]

I would love to shit on this company but it doesn't sound like a lawsuit with merit.

 

[blackjaw]

I have a friend who swears by honest diapers. I personally don't give a shit they have nice designs, I'm spending less money on Pampers.

Maybe this will get her to stop pimping it so hard. It's all she talks about.

Yep I have similar friends that swear on them, the diapers have nice designs but my kid just pees and poops in it. I'm a fan of target brand...cheaper and haven't had a mess yet.

 

[JDSN]

I doubt most of those additives described were used on the diapers, this just sounds like some douchebag anti-gmo people trying to get some of that 1b.

 

[CadetMahoney]

ouch.

Doesn't look good.

 

[Arthr2ShdsJcksn]

EDIT: I'm no lawyer, but I think the term natural is one of those 'bullshit' (thanks George Carlin) phrases that ultimately means nothing

'Natural' has no real definition, at least as far as the FDA is concerned.

From the FDA website (speaking of Natural food, but I'd guess the same applies to other products):

"From a food science perspective, it is difficult to define a food product that is 'natural' because the food has probably been processed and is no longer the product of the earth. That said, FDA has not developed a definition for use of the term natural or its derivatives. However, the agency has not objected to the use of the term if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances."

Probably will be thrown out.

 

[Topper]

I have a friend who swears by honest diapers. I personally don't give a shit they have nice designs, I'm spending less money on Pampers.

Maybe this will get her to stop pimping it so hard. It's all she talks about.

Gotta get on that Kirkland brand diaper man.

 

[Currygan]

Honest soap makes me chuckle for some reason

 

[ItIsOkBro]

I'm sure it has less harsh chemicals than the garden variety.