Class Action Lawsuit Claims Revlon Makeup Remover Pads, Towelettes Falsely Advertised as Biodegradable

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A proposed class action lawsuit claims that the “biodegradable” claim on certain Revlon makeup remover pads and towelettes is fraudulent and misleading due to the nature of the products’ disposal procedures.

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According to the 25-page lawsuit, Revlon markets and sells the following towelette and pad makeup remover products with the “biodegradable” claim printed prominently and without any additional qualification on the packaging:

• Almay Biodegradable Micellar Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes;
• Biodegradable Oil Free Micellar Eye Makeup Remover Pads;
• Longwear Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes;
• Longwear & Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Pads; and
• Biodegradable Clear Complexion Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes.

Contrary to what consumers would expect from a “biodegradable” product, the Revlon makeup remover products will not fully decompose within a reasonably short timeframe given their typical method of disposal is to be thrown in the trash, the suit says. In other words, the products will end up in landfills or incinerators, which won’t allow them to quickly, naturally decompose, the case relays.

The lawsuit cites the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides, which state that “[u]nqualified degradable claims for items that are customarily disposed in landfills, incinerators and recycling facilities are deceptive because these locations do not present conditions in which complete decomposition will occur within one year.”

Consumers, the filing argues, relied on Revlon’s packaging and advertising to be true, and the biodegradability claims allegedly played a significant part in their purchasing decisions. Per the case, Revlon knew or should have known that its claims were false and instead deceived customers who it knew were willing to pay more for products marked as biodegradable.

The complaint contends that consumers either would not have purchased the Revlon makeup remover pads and towelettes or would have paid less for them had they known the products are not legally considered biodegradable.

The Revlon class action lawsuit seeks to represent anyone who purchased one or more of the Revlon biodegradable pads or towelettes, including those mentioned on this page, while in California during the applicable statute of limitations period.

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