Skincare product manufacturers and marketers, Rodan + Fields, is currently facing a federal class-action lawsuit regarding their Enhancement Lash Boost Eye Serum. The Rodan + Fields lawsuit aims to prove that Rodan + Fields violated state consumer protection laws by engaging in fraudulent and unfair marketing practices when it came to a specific ingredient used in the product.
Rodan + Fields markets itself as a “premium skincare brand built on a legacy of innovative dermatology-inspired skincare products backed by clinical results. ” They generated more than $1.5 billion in sales in 2017 with tubes of Lash Boost selling for $150.00 each.
Fraudulent and Unfair Marketing of Isopropyl Cloprostenate
The ingredient is isopropyl cloprostenate, a synthetic chemical that is also used as a type of medication called prostaglandin analog. Prostaglandin analogs are commonly used to help treat and manage glaucoma and other serious eye conditions. Because of its widespread use among the medical community, eye doctors are well versed in the side effects of prostaglandin analogs.
These chemicals, while effective in treating diagnosed patients, can have severe side-effects when used for cosmetic purposes. Known side effects of prostaglandin analogs include:
- Changes in Iris color
- Drooping eyelids
- Excessive tearing or lid crusting
- Itchy eyes
- Vision impairment
Class Action Law Suit Filed against Rodan & Fields, LLC
A class-action lawsuit filed on April 13 of this year, identifying four plaintiffs who had suffered injuries as a result of their use of the Lash Boost Eye Serum. The lawsuit mentions that Latisse, the only FDA approved eyelash enhancement product, disclosed the possible side effects to their consumers. Because Rodan + Fields chose to market their product purely as a cosmetic, they were not required to put the Lash Boost Eye Serum through the FDA review process for medications. The use of isopropyl cloprostenate has been completely banned from use in cosmetic products in Canada, however, no such ban exists in the United States.
Rodan + Fields Class Action
While Rodan + Fields Lash Boost Eye Serum is not currently required to the same FDA regulation as Latisse, they do have an obligation to consumers to disclose harmful side effects of any product they place into the stream of commerce. The basis of the Rodan + Fields class action is that their failure to disclose these known side effects constitutes fraudulent, unfair, and unlawful marketing practices. If you have been injured by this product and are looking to get involved in the class action, consider contacting the attorneys listed on the petition here.
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