EOS settles class action suit and will improve labeling

02-Feb-2016 - Last updated on 02-Feb-2016 at 17:12 GMT

The lip care and skin care company announced late last week that a settlement was reached in a recent class action suit claiming that EOS lip balm can cause a rash and that product labeling is inadequate.

While exact terms of the deal have not been released, both EOS and opposing counsel are satisfied that the issue was resolved quickly.

The lawyer who filed the class action makes clear that “we will be applying to the courts to close this case," since the deal will need to be approved by the court before the suit is officially resolved.

Stand by your brand

The beauty brand used the announcement to the press to reiterate its commitment to consumer safety and product quality.

"We are pleased to announce that the class-action lawsuit brought against EOS earlier this month has been resolved. Our products are safe — and this settlement confirms that," emphasizes EOS.

"Our lip balms are hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, made with the highest quality ingredients, meet or exceed all safety and quality standards set by our industry, and are validated by rigorous safety testing conducted by independent labs,” EOS adds.

And there was a nod to loyal brand users too: “We love our customers, and their enjoyment of our products is our top priority. We thank them for their continued support.”

Informed consumers

The attorney who filed the class action suit in mid-January believes the deal vindicates his clients’ concerns. “EOS has demonstrated through data that their lip balms are hypoallergenic, and has provided a mechanism for individual instances to be resolved,” Mark Geragos says in the statement.

Beyond this, the company will change its lip product labeling to help consumers determine if the balms are indeed a safe choice.

“EOS makes great products, and the company is doing the right thing by adding more information about their lip-balm products on packaging so that buyers can make informed choices,” says Geragos.

He seems to have no further concerns about the brand. "I am very pleased that we have been able to so quickly and amicably resolve the matter with EOS lip-balm products. This is a testament to EOS being responsive to the concerns of their consumers,” he tells the press.

The reaction

Named plaintiff Rachael Cronin and others filed suit last month based on claims that EOS lip balm caused a rash.

At the time EOS maintained the safety of its products. While popular media that picked up the story were as quick to show dramatic close-up photos to counter the claims with expert opinions from chemists and dermatologists.