Costco Class Action: Are Kirkland Baby Wipes Toxic?

Parents looking for a natural and safe option for baby wipes have been left shocked to find  Costco and Nice-Pak Products’ Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes, marketed as being made from naturally derived products, contain unsafe levels of PFAS, according to a new lawsuit. 

The Fragrance Free wipes “are unfit for their intended use because they contain unsafe levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,” the lawsuit alleges, adding the PFAS are group of synthetic chemicals known to be harmful to children.  

“Because PFAS persist and accumulate over time, they are harmful even at very low levels.  Indeed, laboratory studies have shown a number of PFAS-linked toxicological effects and have been associated with thyroid disorders, immunotoxic effects, and various cancers.” 

"Natural" Costco Baby Wipes Tested Positive for Harmful PFAS, Lawsuit Says

Mothers Mila Corrigan and Larisa Bullard filed the proposed class action lawsuit against Costco Wholesale Corp. and Nice-Pak Products, Inc. after both purchased the products for years considering them safe to use due to the products’ marketing, which includes that they made from naturally derived ingredients and shows a happy, smiling baby. 

However, independent research conducted by the pair's lawyers, using a Department of Defense ELAP-certified laboratory, showed that the wipes contain high levels of PFAS making them unsafe for their children to use, the lawsuit states. If they had known that was the case, they’d have never purchased the wipes, they argue. 

What are PFAS and Why Are They Dangerous for Babies? 

According to the EPA, PFAS are man-made, long lasting chemicals that break down very slowly over time. They have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s, prominently in nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics, some firefighting foams, and products that resist grease, water, and oil. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they break down slowly, if at all, and accumulate in the human body and the natural environment.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlined a host of health effects associated with PFAS exposure, including liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of asthma. EPA says the chemicals are particularly dangerous for children, and can result in developmental and physical growth delays, as well as illness.

Baby Wipe Safety Questioned: Lawsuits Target Misleading Claims and Environmental Impact

This week, Consumer Reports published an investigation that found seven baby wipe brands had concerning or unclear ingredients that could be harmful to babies. 

“These wipes contain potentially harmful chemicals including some that may be linked to cancer risks. Many are made of plastics that don’t break down in the environment," Consumer Reports Investigative Editor Lisa Fogarty said. It’s possible the investigation will lead to further legal action for baby wipe manufacturers.

But in the meantime, it’s not just the ingredients that have led to lawsuits for baby wipe brands; a number have been taken to court by consumers and governments over allegedly not being flushable, as they claim to be, and packing up local sewer systems and causing plumbing issues.

In the Costco Kirkland baby wipes class action lawsuit, Corrigan and Bullard want to represent consumers nationwide and are suing for violation of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, Unfair Competition Law, False Advertising Law, New York General Business Law, breach of express warranty, unjust enrichment,  fraud, and more. They’re seeking injunctive relief, damages, and fees. 

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Bullard v. Costco Wholesale Corp. 
• Case Number: 3:24-cv-03714-PHK
• Court: U.S. District Court Northern District of California

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Timothy Fisher, Joshua R. Wilner, and Joshua B. Glatt (Bursor & Fisher, P.A.)