Case Overview: A class action lawsuit alleges Alcon Laboratories falsely markets its Systane eye drops as preservative-free when the products allegedly contain boric acid.

Consumers Affected: Individuals who purchased Systane eye drops marketed as preservative-free

Court: Not yet confirmed

Alcon Laboratories Faces Class Action Over Systane Eye Drops Allegedly Mislabeled as Preservative-Free

A new class action lawsuit alleges that Alcon Laboratories has been misleading consumers by marketing its Systane eye drop products as preservative-free — when the drops allegedly contain boric acid. The complaint raises questions about whether buyers received the product they believed they were purchasing.

According to recent class action reporting from Top Class Actions, the lawsuit targets one of the most widely recognized brands in the over-the-counter eye care market.

Lawsuit Claims "Preservative-Free" Label Is Inaccurate

At the center of the complaint is the allegation that Systane eye drops carry "preservative-free" labeling that the plaintiff says is simply untrue. The lawsuit alleges that the products contain boric acid — a compound the plaintiff contends functions as a preservative — contradicting the product's prominent marketing claims.

According to the complaint, consumers who seek out preservative-free eye drops often do so for specific reasons, including sensitivity to preservatives or the guidance of an eye care professional to avoid them. The lawsuit alleges that shoppers who relied on Alcon's labeling may have unknowingly used a product that did not meet those needs.

Products at Issue

The lawsuit targets Systane-branded eye drops sold under the preservative-free designation. Systane is a well-established product line manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, a global eye care company, and is widely available at major pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers across the United States.

The plaintiff claims that the preservative-free label appears prominently on product packaging — a representation the filing alleges was a material factor in consumers' purchasing decisions. Had buyers known the products allegedly contained a preservative, the lawsuit states, they would not have purchased them or would have paid less.

Why the "Preservative-Free" Claim Matters to Consumers

For many eye drop users, the distinction between preserved and preservative-free formulas is not a minor detail. Eye care professionals routinely recommend preservative-free formulations to patients who use artificial tears frequently, wear contact lenses, or have conditions that make their eyes more sensitive to chemical additives.

Preservatives in eye drops, while generally effective at preventing contamination, have been associated with ocular surface irritation in some users, particularly with frequent use. The lawsuit's core contention is that consumers who specifically sought out a preservative-free product — and paid for one — were allegedly misled about what they were actually buying.

Allegations of Consumer Deception

The complaint frames Alcon's labeling as deceptive under consumer protection principles. The plaintiff alleges that by prominently advertising the product as preservative-free while including boric acid in the formulation, Alcon misrepresented a material characteristic of the product.

The lawsuit seeks damages on behalf of a class of consumers who purchased the allegedly mislabeled Systane eye drops. Those who purchased qualifying products may be eligible to participate in any resolution that results from the litigation, though eligibility and potential compensation would ultimately depend on how the case proceeds.

Alcon Laboratories has not yet issued a public response to the lawsuit, and the company has not been adjudicated liable for any of the allegations in the complaint.

A Pattern of Labeling Scrutiny in the Eye Care Market

Labeling accuracy disputes in the eye drop and personal care space have drawn increased attention from both consumers and the courts in recent years. Class actions challenging "free-from" marketing claims — covering everything from fragrance-free cosmetics to alcohol-free mouthwash — have become a recognizable area of consumer protection litigation, as buyers increasingly rely on label claims to make informed health-related purchasing decisions.

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Lawsuit: To be confirmed upon court filing details

Case Number: Not yet available

Court: To be confirmed

Plaintiffs' Attorney(s): Not yet available

Have you purchased Systane eye drops marketed as preservative-free? Share your experience in the comments below.