LOS ANGELES – Two consumers have filed a class-action lawsuit over allegations a facial scrub causes damage to the skin.
Kaylee Browning and Sarah Basile filed a complaint on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated on Dec. 16 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Unilever United States alleging fraud, violation of the California's Unfair Competition Law and other counts.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that they have suffered economic injury for being enticed to purchase and pay premium prices for defendant's product, the St. Ives Apricot Scrub. They allege the product promises "deep exfoliation to reveal smooth skin," and that it's dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic. They allege the product does not deliver as promised and that the product's walnut shell exfoliating ingredients cause micro-tears in the skin.
The plaintiffs hold Unilever United States responsible because the defendant's product allegedly caused inflammation and irritation on user's skin from the crushed walnut shell that is the primary ingredient of the product, and failed to disclose that the product is not fit to be used as a facial scrub.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment against the defendant; certify case as a class action; designate class representative and counsel; compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages; injunctive relief; interest; restitution; attorneys' fees; expenses; and costs of suit. They are represented by L. Timothy Fisher and Joel D. Smith of Bursor & Fisher PA in Walnut Creek and Scott A. Bursor of Bursor & Fisher PA in New York.
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California Case number 8:16-cv-02210