ZzzQuil Class Action Lawsuit: P&G Accused of Misleading "Natural" Melatonin Claims

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims P&G's ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs melatonin supplements contain synthetic melatonin and artificial ingredients despite being marketed as "natural."

Consumers Affected: Consumers in California who purchased ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs melatonin supplements.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California

Procter & Gamble, the maker of ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs melatonin supplements, is facing a class action lawsuit alleging its “helps you fall asleep naturally” advertising misleads consumers. 

The lawsuit claims the products, marketed with natural imagery and green fonts, actually contain synthetic melatonin and other artificial ingredients.

ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs Contains Synthetic Melatonin, Lawsuit Claims

The lawsuit was filed by California resident Valerie Perkins, who purchased ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs tablets and gummies in 2022. Perkins claims she was drawn to the “naturally” branding, believing the products were free from synthetic ingredients. When she learned the primary ingredient, melatonin, is lab-made, Perkins said she felt deceived. 

She argues that she wouldn’t have purchased the products—or would have paid less—if she had known their true composition, and said there are no disclaimers or clarifications on the product labels, bolstering her reliance on P&G’s marketing.

P&G Misled Consumers with "Natural" Melatonin Claims

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. While naturally occurring melatonin can be derived from animals or plants, the lawsuit points out these methods are uncommon due to contamination risks. Instead, most commercial melatonin is synthetically created in labs using chemical reactions and toxic solvents.

According to the complaint, P&G’s use of synthetic melatonin undermines the product’s “natural” claims. Other synthetic ingredients in ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs include artificial dyes, sweeteners, and preservatives, which the lawsuit argues cannot “naturally” promote sleep.

Other Companies Face Similar Lawsuits Over "Natural" Claims

The P&G lawsuit highlights a growing trend of consumer pushback against questionable “natural” marketing claims. Snapple was sued for labeling its beverages “all natural” despite containing synthetic citric acid. Bayer faced claims that its gummy vitamins included artificial flavors despite being marketed as free of them.

Supplement makers have also been targeted. Force Factor, for example, is embroiled in a lawsuit alleging misleading dosage claims for its melatonin products, while Costco is defending a case about its Kirkland Signature fish oil's heart-health claims. For consumers, it’s a reminder to read labels carefully—though, as the lawsuit points out, discerning the truth often requires more than a quick glance at the packaging.

In her lawsuit against P&G, Perkins wants to represent other California consumers in her claims the company violated state business laws. She is seeking restitution, injunctive relief, fees, costs, and interest.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Perkins v. The Procter & Gamble Company
• Case Number: 3:25-cv-00035-JO-VET 
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Craig W. Straub and Zachary M. Crosner (Crosner Legal, P.C.)
• George V. Granade and Michael R. Reese (Reese LLP)

Have you used ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs melatonin supplements? Share your thoughts on this lawsuit in the comments below.