Old Spice brand faces $25 million lawsuit over deodorant allergy

22-Mar-2016 - Last updated on 01-Apr-2016 at 19:23 GMT

Procter & Gamble’s men’s deodorant brand Old Spice is facing further legal action, this time over allegations that it causes an allergic reaction in users.

A lawsuit that has been filed by Connick Law in the United States District Court, a jurisdiction that takes in the city of Cincinnati, where P&G is headquartered.

The latest legal action follows on from a lawsuit that was filed in October of 2014 against both P&G and Unilever, which made an example of Old Spice packaging for its allegedly deceptive packaging design.

Seeking $25 million in damages

In the new lawsuit, for which notification was given by the law firm yesterday, it is stated that the action was filed on behalf of the plaintiff and all other parties for upwards of $25m in damages:

“…on behalf of consumers who purchased allegedly defective Old Spice deodorant, which regularly and routinely causes rashes, irritation, burning and other injury to unsuspecting consumers,” a Connick Law statement read.

Connick has also called on any consumers wishing to participate in the lawsuit as a named lead planfiff, to get in touch with the plaintiff’s council, Thomas J. Connick.

Full details of the lawsuit include the fact that it has been filed under the name of ‘Rodney Colley and all others similarly situated’.

Evidence of adverse reactions included in lawsuit

The documentation contains a photo of Colley’s armpit areas, alleging that the severe rash depicted in the images was caused by Old Spice deodorant.

The lawsuit also points to a body of consumer complaints online, pointing out adverse reactions and the fact that there are no adequate warnings or safety notices on the products. Below is one of seven online complaints the documentation includes:

“My son has been using Old Spice Swagger Deodorant and has a rash in his armpit that is red and burning. We will never buy these products again!!! Shame on you Procter and Gamble for continuing to produce this product with all these reviews, and without warning!!!” Sharon of Granite Falls, NC on August 14, 2015.

The lawsuit further states: “As a result of P&G’s Defective Design and Formulation of the Old Spice Deodorants at issue, Plaintiffs and all class members are entitled to compensatory and punitive damages”.

The lawsuit names these Old Spice brands: