To borrow a joke: St. Ives Apricot Scrub is the All-Bran of skincare products. You wake up, and it’s there.
Still, that doesn’t mean the go-to facial scrub is universally loved, and two women in the United States have launched a lawsuit against parent company Unilever claiming “the product is completely worthless” as it allegedly damages the skin.
They’re also seeking a cool $5 million in damages, and they’re gunning to represent a class-action suit against the brand.
As they see it, the problem stems from the lil’ crushed up bits of walnut shell floating in the scrub. While they’re better for the environment than plastic micro-beads, the plaintiffs claim those particles are totally rubbish for cosmetic use.
Think ‘fruity-scented sandpaper,’ and you’re close to their view of the product. Besides, dermatologists are still on the fence as to whether the micro-abrasions caused by similar particles contribute to skin damage in the long run.
Moreover, their suit hinges on the language used on the label: the plaintiffs are drawing attention to the exfoliator’s “dermatologist tested” label, which is far different to “dermatologist approved.” They say they never would have picked it up had they known of the product’s alleged risks.
A statement from Unilever doubles down on that contentious wording:
“As a general practice we do not comment on pending litigation. We can say that for over 30 years, consumers have loved and trusted the St. Ives brand to refresh and revitalize their skin. We are proud to be America’s top facial scrub brand and stand by our dermatologist tested formula.”
While you wait for this one to play out, feel free to peruse the Skincare Addiction subreddit for their take on the matter. TL;DR: “This stuff is hell,” “I bought that product and tore my face up,” “thank the heavens that they’ve been sued for their abomination of a skincare product.”
Source: TMZ / Cosmopolitan / New York Magazine / Top Class Actions.
Photo: @beauteshopid / Instagram.
Photo: @beauteshopid / Instagram.
