Over the past year, you may have noticed more headlines about lawsuits in the beauty, skincare, and wellness industries.
If you’ve recently searched things like: “Are skincare products safe?”, “What ingredients should I avoid in skincare?”, “Which are beauty brands getting sued?” —then you’re not alone.
From “toxic ingredients” to “misleading claims,” it can feel overwhelming — and honestly, a little confusing. So what’s actually happening? And more importantly… what does it mean for you and your skincare routine? Let’s break it down in a simple guide, honest way, that you can save for future and be more educated what to avoid further.
Why Are So Many Skincare & Beauty Brands Getting Sued?
One of the most common questions right now, and the answer is simple: transparency is catching up.
The global beauty industry is now worth over $500 billion, and with advanced lab testing and more informed consumers, brands are being held to higher standards than ever before.
Today, lawsuits are typically about:
-Undisclosed ingredients
-Contamination
-Misleading marketing claims
-Product safety over time
What Ingredients Should I Avoid in Skincare Products?
There isn’t just one “bad” ingredient — but there are a few categories currently under scrutiny.
1. PFAS in Makeup & Skincare (Forever Chemicals)
What are PFAS in skincare?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that:
-Don’t break down easily
-Can accumulate in the body over time
-Have been linked in studies to hormone disruption
They’ve been found in:
-Waterproof mascaras
-Long-wear foundations
-Sunscreens & more
The biggest issue?
They’re often not listed on labels, which has led to multiple lawsuits.
2. Can Skincare Ingredients Turn Toxic Over Time?
Another rising question. And the answer is: in some cases — yes.
A recent example involves acne treatments where an ingredient can break down into benzene, a substance linked to cancer, when exposed to heat or stored improperly.
This has sparked lawsuits and raised awareness that:
Product stability matters just as much as ingredients.
3. Contamination (Even in Small Amounts)
Modern testing methods are incredibly sensitive. That means even trace amounts of contaminants — like heavy metals or unwanted byproducts — can now be detected.
And while these amounts are often very small, they’ve still led to lawsuits when: they weren’t disclosed, or products were marketed as “clean” or “non-toxic”. This is why we always recommend to trust only brands that do in-house production. We make our products in the USA - in small batches at our Pennsylvanian facility. No outsourcing, no shortcuts. We control the entire process, from the formula creation to the shipping to our clients. All products are always fresh and stay at the warehouse no longer than two weeks before being sent to our customers, retailers, or spas.
4. The Supplement Industry (A Category to Watch)
The wellness and supplement space is growing fast — expected to exceed $200 billion globally in the coming years.
But with that growth comes risk. Recent lawsuits have focused on:
-Incorrect nutrition labels
-“Zero calorie” or “high protein” claims that aren’t accurate
-Lack of transparency around ingredients
How to Choose Safe Skincare Products (Without Overthinking It)
If you’re wondering: “How do I know if my skincare is safe?”
Here are simple, realistic tips:
✔️ Choose transparency over trends
Look for brands that clearly explain their ingredients — not just marketing buzzwords.
✔️ Keep your routine simple
More products ≠ better skin.
✔️ Store products properly
Avoid heat and direct sunlight especially with oils and serums when possible.
✔️ Don’t fall for fear-based marketing
Terms like “chemical-free” are often misleading. Look out for ingredients list and make your research.