In a striking development for the multi-level marketing (MLM) cosmetics brand Rodan + Fields, the company is now embroiled in a federal class action lawsuit. The suit accuses Rodan + Fields of breaching state consumer protection laws and engaging in misleading marketing practices concerning one of its bestselling products, the Lash Boost eyelash serum. Plaintiffs claim that the company failed to inform consumers about a harmful additive that may lead to severe side effects, including potential vision impairment.
Court records from April 2018 filed in the U.S. District Court in Oakland reveal troubling accounts from Lash Boost users. They report experiencing serious adverse reactions such as changes in iris color, eyelid drooping, itchy eyes, discoloration, thinning and loss of eyelashes, eye infections, and even vision impairment.
The root of the lawsuit centers on the undisclosed ingredient isopropyl cloprostenate, a prostaglandin analog. While prostaglandins are often used in glaucoma treatments, they are also linked to inflammation and other side effects. The plaintiffs highlight a key difference: Allergan, the maker of Latisse, transparently disclosed these risks, whereas Rodan + Fields did not.
Considering there are approximately 300,000 R+F consultants operating in the U.S., many unsuspecting customers may have suffered from adverse effects while the company prioritized profits. In 2017, Rodan + Fields was recognized as the top-selling skincare brand in the U.S., generating an estimated $1.5 billion in revenue, raising concerns that consumers may unknowingly be purchasing potentially harmful products.
The actions (or lack thereof) by Rodan + Fields executives raise serious questions about their ethics. How did they justify withholding information about risks that could lead to significant health concerns? It’s hard to fathom a conversation where they decided to overlook research indicating adverse effects while prioritizing sales.
The lawsuit claims that Rodan + Fields has been misleading in its marketing strategies, presenting a facade that fails to protect consumers. In response, a spokesperson for Rodan + Fields stated, “The Company vigorously denies the allegations in the Complaint and stands behind the safety and efficacy of Lash Boost. We are going to let the specifics of our legal defense play out in court.” They emphasized that Lash Boost is marketed as a cosmetic and that any irritation is noted in the usage instructions provided to customers.
This controversy is not isolated. MLM companies have faced scrutiny for questionable practices and lack of consumer protection. For example, the FDA issued warnings to essential oil companies like Young Living and doTerra for making unsubstantiated medical claims. Similarly, Beachbody faced penalties for enrolling customers in unauthorized payment programs, and LuLaRoe was hit with a class action lawsuit alleging that its business model functioned as an “endless chain scheme,” violating California’s unfair competition laws.
With potentially hazardous ingredients, dubious billing methods, and inadequately trained consultants, MLM companies like Rodan + Fields pose significant risks to consumers and their representatives. If you are contemplating entering the MLM world, it may be wise to proceed with caution.
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In summary, the lawsuit against Rodan + Fields highlights the potential dangers of MLM practices and the importance of transparency in consumer products. As the case unfolds, it underscores the need for vigilance when considering products marketed by such companies.