Two class actions filed in California federal courts on May 13, 2025, say skincare brands Dermalogica and Paula’s Choice, both owned by Unilever, labeled products Made in USA without disclosing their imported ingredients.
The lawsuits
- Lavallee v. Dermalogica LLC, No. 8:25-cv-01013 (C.D. Cal.), says the Made in USA claim appears on nearly every Dermalogica product, including items sold at Sephora, Nordstrom and Ulta.
- Roblyer v. Paula’s Choice Inc., No. 2:25-cv-01364 (E.D. Cal.), targets products including the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.
- Both name Conopco Inc., doing business as Unilever, as a defendant. Both were filed by Kazerouni Law Group.
- Both claim violations of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law, and breach of express warranty. They seek to represent California buyers from the past four years.
Top Class Actions reported both suits in June 2025. A later court filing in the Paula’s Choice case says the parties reached a settlement in principle by August 2025.
Why it matters for Made in USA
California law lets companies make an unqualified USA claim only if foreign content stays within strict limits. Cosmetics often use imported ingredients, which makes beauty brands a frequent target. When a formula uses imported inputs, a qualified claim such as “Made in USA with domestic and imported ingredients” is the safer label.
FAQ
Who was sued?
Dermalogica LLC and Paula’s Choice Inc. and LLC, along with their parent company, Unilever (Conopco Inc.).
What is the claim?
That products were labeled Made in USA without disclosing foreign ingredients and components.
Where were the cases filed?
Dermalogica in the Central District of California and Paula’s Choice in the Eastern District of California, both on May 13, 2025.
Source & credit
Sources: court complaints filed May 13, 2025, via Truth in Advertising: “Lavallee v. Dermalogica” and “Roblyer v. Paula’s Choice”; Paula’s Choice stipulation. Additional reporting: Top Class Actions, Dermalogica and Paula’s Choice.