Osea Class Action: "Collagen" Skincare Doesn't Contain Real Collagen, Lawsuit Claims

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit has been filed against Osea International, alleging that their skincare products falsely advertise containing collagen. The plaintiff claims that the products contain a synthetic substitute instead.

Consumers Affected: Consumers who purchased Osea skincare products.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Skincare brand Osea International is facing a class action lawsuit over claims that its collagen cosmetics do not actually contain collagen. 

The lawsuit, filed by Lisa Kraisriwatana, alleges that the company misled consumers by falsely advertising its products, such as the “Collagen Dream Night Cream,” as containing genuine collagen, when in fact, they use a plant-based synthetic substitute called cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen.

Lawsuit Claims Osea Misled Consumers With False Collagen Claims

New York local Kraisriwatana said she purchased Osea’s “Collagen Dream Night Cream” in March 2024, believing the product contained real collagen. She said she relied on the label’s representation that the product contains animal-based collagen when deciding to buy the night cream, and says she wouldn’t have bought it if she had known the collagen was synthetic and plant-derived. 

She claims that the misleading advertising resulted in her paying a higher price for the product, which was not what she had intended to buy.

What Is Collagen and Why Is It Used In Skincare?

Collagen is a protein found in the connective tissues of animals, including skin, bones, and cartilage, and it is not present in plants. It has become a popular ingredient in cosmetics, dietary supplements, and other products due to its perceived anti-aging benefits, particularly for maintaining youthful skin. 

As consumer demand for collagen-based products has surged, companies have been eager to capitalize on this trend by incorporating collagen into their offerings.

Osea Products Allegedly Contain Synthetic Collagen Substitute

Osea’s products use cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen, a synthetic, plant-based ingredient derived from plants like nicotiana benthamiana. While it mimics some of the effects of collagen, it is not the same as real animal collagen. 

The lawsuit argues that this substitution is deceptive, as consumers believe they are buying products with genuine collagen. This cost-saving measure allows Osea to market their products as containing collagen while using a cheaper alternative, ultimately increasing their profit margins at the expense of consumers, the lawsuit alleges.

False Advertising Lawsuits Target Cosmetics Companies Over Collagen Claims

Osea is not alone in facing legal scrutiny over misleading collagen claims. Skincare brand Pixi is also involved in a class action lawsuit for allegedly misrepresenting its products as containing collagen. 

Azure, another cosmetics company, is being sued for its “Vegan Collagen” products, which reportedly contain a synthetic substitute rather than real collagen. These cases show a growing trend of consumer actions over collagen-based products, with consumers holding companies to account for allegedly trying to capitalize on popular trends by using deceptive practices.

In the Osea International false collagen class action lawsuit, Kraisriwatana wants to represent consumers from across the country. She is suing for alleged violations of New York and other state business laws and is seeking damages, interest, fees, and costs.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Kraisriwatana v. Osea International, LLC.
• Case No.: 1:24-cv-06592 
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Adrian Gucovschi, Benjamin Rozenshteyn, and Nathaniel Haim Sari (Gucovschi Rozenshteyn, PLLC)

Have you purchased Osea skincare products believing they contained real collagen? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.