Valitic’s “Dark Spot Remover” Soap Accused of Breaking FDA Rules and Harming Skin

Case Overview: A proposed class action lawsuit alleges Valitic illegally marketed its Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap as an acne and hyperpigmentation treatment without FDA authorization. 

Consumers Affected:
U.S. customers who purchased Valitic Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap for personal use since 2024.

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

Valitic falsely advertises its Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap Bars as safe and effective skin treatments, despite allegedly being incapable of doing what they promise and illegal to sell under federal law, a new lawsuit claims.

Filed in New York federal court, the complaint alleges the company markets the soap as a powerful “dark spot remover” and “acne treatment,” claiming it can fade blemishes, wrinkles, and sun damage. 

But according to the filing, those claims aren’t just misleading, they violate Food and Drug Administration rules because the soap is not approved to treat medical conditions like acne or hyperpigmentation.

The lawsuit argues that the product’s formula can actually make skin conditions worse and that its advertising creates the false impression it’s been tested or authorized by regulators. 

Because the soap allegedly fails to meet federal requirements for over-the-counter or prescription drugs, plaintiffs say it is “worthless as a matter of law” and shouldn’t be sold at all.

Lead Plaintiff Claims Soap Irritated Skin Instead of Improving It

Lead plaintiff Tawana Campbell, a New York resident, bought the soap through Amazon in late 2024 after seeing Valitic’s marketing claims promising to fade dark spots, acne, scars, and wrinkles. She believed those statements meant the product was scientifically proven to work.

According to the lawsuit, Campbell paid a premium price based on those promises, but instead of clearer skin, she says the product irritated it. She also claims the packaging lacked the legally required FDA disclaimer stating that its claims had not been evaluated by the agency or that the product was not intended to treat or cure disease.

Campbell argues that, had she known the soap was unapproved, misbranded, and potentially harmful, she would not have bought it or would have paid much less.

Complaint Alleges Misleading Marketing and Illegal Health Claims

The lawsuit points out that U.S. consumers spend billions on products promising to reduce dark spots and acne, but only a handful of FDA-approved treatments exist. The complaint claims Valitic took advantage of this demand by using drug-level claims without meeting drug-level safety or scientific standards.

Regulators say that products marketed to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, or wrinkles qualify as “new drugs” and must have FDA approval. Valitic’s soap, the lawsuit says, never received that approval and lacks the proper labeling, making it an adulterated and illegal product under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Cosmetic Companies Face Growing Scrutiny Over Unapproved Products

Valitic isn’t alone. Scope Health, maker of OPTASE eye drops, is accused of selling unapproved drugs that violated FDA manufacturing and marketing rules. Daman Beauty, behind the Aphrona Moonlight Pro LED Facial Mask, allegedly used the FDA logo to falsely imply official endorsement. 

And Byte Aligners faces claims that its at-home teeth straightening kits caused injuries ranging from chipped teeth to bone loss.

In her lawsuit, Campbell aims to represent U.S. consumers who bought Valitic’s soap for personal use. She’s suing for violations of consumer protection and business laws, seeking damages, interest, fees, and costs. 

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Campbell v. Brand I101, LLC D/B/A Valitic.
• Case Number: 1:25-Cv-07725
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District Of New York 

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Adrian Gucovschi (Gucovschi Rozenshteyn, PLLC)

Have you used Valitic’s dark spot soap? Did you notice any irritation or changes in your skin? Share your experience below.