Amazon Basics Hypoallergenic Body Wash Contains Known Skin Irritants, Class Action Alleges

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A proposed class action lawsuit claims that Amazon Basics Hypoallergenic Body Wash for Sensitive Skin is falsely labeled as hypoallergenic given it contains fragrance chemicals that can cause skin irritation.

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The 19-page false advertising lawsuit alleges that Amazon’s misleading representations of the body wash, which include claims that it is “dermatologist tested” and provides “[g]entle [c]leansing” for skin, were made in an effort to capitalize on consumers’ desire to avoid ingredients that could potentially aggravate existing skin conditions.

Although Amazon Basics Hypoallergenic Body Wash is advertised as being safe for sensitive skin, it contains fragrances, which are a “primary cause” of skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, the case states.

The lawsuit explains that contact dermatitis can cause uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms such as dry skin, rashes, persistent itching, bumps, blisters, and cracked or leathery skin.

The case says a comparison of the product’s ingredient list shows that the purportedly hypoallergenic body wash is identical to other products not bearing the hypoallergenic label, including Amazon Basics Moisturizing Body Wash. The lawsuit asserts that the only meaningful difference between the products is the front labels; notably, both contain fragrance, despite the potential for a skin reaction, the suit says.

“It is entirely unclear what makes [Amazon’s] hypoallergenic product, for sensitive skin, different from any other,” the case states.

The filing further cites a market data forecast that states that the American Academy of Dermatology’s increase in consumer inquiries about hypoallergenic cleansers reflects “a shift toward medical-grade formulations,” including those without fragrance or other potentially irritating ingredients. Fragrance, the case notes, does not improve the cleansing properties of a particular product. 

According to the filing, the plaintiff purchased the body wash at issue believing Amazon’s representations that the body wash was hypoallergenic and safe for reactive skin. The lawsuit says the plaintiff sought hypoallergenic products to avoid exacerbating her psoriasis and wouldn’t have purchased the product for the same price, or at all, had she known the truth.

The Amazon Basics Hypoallergenic Body Wash class action lawsuit seeks to cover all consumers who purchased the body wash in New York at any time within the applicable statute of limitations.

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