Benzene In Mielle Organics' Hair Oil Causes Hair Loss, Lawsuit Claims

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Mielle Organics' hair oil contains benzene, a harmful chemical linked to hair loss and other health risks.

Consumers Affected: Consumers who purchased Mielle Organics' Rosemary Mint Scalp & Strengthening Hair Oil.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division

Mielle Organics' Rosemary Mint Scalp & Strengthening Hair Oil contains benzene, a harmful chemical linked to hair loss and other health risks, a new lawsuit claims. The lawsuit alleges that the company misled consumers by marketing the product as safe without disclosing its potential to cause hair loss.

The lawsuit claims that consumers who purchased the product relied on its advertised safety and effectiveness. Instead, they claim the product caused significant harm and was "worthless" due to its risks.

Mielle Hair Oil Contains Benzene, Consumers Claim

Georgina Gomes, a Massachusetts resident, filed the proposed class action lawsuit after she bought Mielle Organics’ hair oil, trusting the brand’s claims of safety, the lawsuit says. Gomes says she carefully reviewed the product's labels and relied on assurances that it was free from defects and appropriate for its intended purpose.

However, Gomes alleges the product caused her to experience hair loss and that if she had known about the risks, she would not have bought it. The lawsuit argues that the product's labeling omissions misled consumers into paying premium prices for what they believed was a safe and high-quality product.

What Is Benzene?

Benzene is a toxic chemical commonly found in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. It is classified as a Class 1 solvent by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration meaning it should not be used in cosmetics or drug products due to its carcinogenic properties.

While industrial processes are the primary source of benzene exposure, it can also occur naturally in events like forest fires and volcanic eruptions. Prolonged exposure to benzene has been linked to leukemia, immune system damage, and other severe health issues.

The lawsuit alleges that Mielle Organics' hair oil contained dangerous levels of benzene, exposing users to risks that were not adequately disclosed. Gomes argues that as a cosmetics manufacturer, Mielle Organics had a responsibility to test its products rigorously and ensure her and other users’ safety.

Cosmetic Companies Hit With Lawsuits

Mielle Organics joins a growing list of companies accused of including harmful chemicals in personal care products without proper disclosure. 

A lawsuit against Clearasil claims that benzoyl peroxide, an active ingredient in its acne products, degrades over time into benzene, posing significant health risks. The lawsuit argues that the presence of benzene renders these products unsafe and illegal under federal law. 

Similarly, Athena Cosmetics faces allegations that its RevitaLash and RevitaBrow products contain prostaglandin analog DDDE, a regulated ingredient linked to adverse effects.

Benzene concerns have also led to recalls of popular products, including Johnson & Johnson’s Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol sunscreens, Coppertone sprays, and Banana Boat Hair & Scalp sunscreen.

In the Mielle Organics benzene class action lawsuit, Gomes wants to represent consumers from across the country as she accuses the company of violating the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Trade Practices Act and unjust enrichment. She is seeking damages, injunctive relief, restitution, fees, and costs.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Gomes v. Mielle Organics LLC and The Procter & Gamble Company
• Case Number: 2:24-Cv-07048-Cas-As
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• James M. Dore and Daniel I. Schlade (Dore Law Offices LLC)

Have you used Mielle Organics' Rosemary Mint Scalp & Strengthening Hair Oil? Share your experience in the comments below.