A class-action lawsuit has been filed against EOS Products, claiming that the company’s lip balms cause rashes and blisters on users' mouths.
Consumer Rachael Cronin claims that EOS lip balm left her with severe rashes, bleeding, blistering and cracking on the mouth after two uses. The lawsuit purports that “tens of thousands” of other consumers have experienced adverse reactions to the product.
Cronin says she purchased an EOS lip balm in the Summer Fruit flavour after seeing adverts for the brand on social media. After applying it, she noticed her lips became dry and rough, so applied more. After this, she says her lips began to crack and bleed. She says the condition lasted for ten days.
Cronin shared her story on the EOS Facebook page, where many other consumers commented reporting similar adverse reactions to the lip balm. She also emailed a complaint to the company and received a response from EOS’ 'medical health team' who advised her to seek medical attention, which she had previously done. The team told her that none of the lip balm’s ingredients are 'inherently allergenic'.
The lawsuit takes issue with the inclusion of sodium hyaluronate, shea butter, ascorbyl palmitate, tocopherols and Stevia extract (often used as a sweetener in food). It says that these ingredients are known to have adverse affects, particularly in the quantities caused by the “frequent, constant and frenetic use” that the lawsuit claims EOS encourages.
The lawsuit asks EOS to publicly address the hundreds of complaints it has received and add a warning about potential side effects to its packaging and marketing.
EOS, which is said to be short for 'evolution of smooth', has a number of high-profile celebrity ambassadors, including Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus and Britney Spears. The company claims its products are 99% natural, paraben-free, petrolatum-free and gluten-free.
EOS has responded to the lawsuit’s claims with the following statement: "We firmly believe this lawsuit is without merit. Our products are made with the highest quality ingredients and meet or exceed all safety and quality standards set out by our industry and validated by rigorous testing conducted by an independent lab. The health and well-being of our customers is our top priority and millions of satisfied customers use our products every day, many of whom take the time to share their experiences with us."
The company has also posted an update on its Facebook and Twitter accounts denying the accusations. EOS’ social media accounts have received more stories of adverse reactions as well as many messages of support for the brand.
