Not So Cute: EOS Lip Balms Sued for Causing Blisters
You know those cute little egg-shaped lip balms that celebs say are the bomb? Well, they are insofar as they will leave your lips looking coarse and scorched and your skin blistered, according to a lawsuit filed by Rachel Cronin against EOS lip balm on behalf of a class of people harmed by the product, reports Jezebel.
Although Miley Cyrus, Kim Kardashian, and Britney Spears promote the product meant to provide "visibly softer lips," the plaintiffs claim that EOS gave them blisters, rashes and allergic reactions. They are suing for compensatory damages and injunctive relief, hoping the company will have to change its claims in advertiisng.
Judging a Balm by its Cover
The sweet packaging for EOS lip balms is probably what has made it so popular. The balms come in many colors and look like candy or balls, as opposed to your standard tube-shaped dispenser. Prior to this lawsuit there were complaints, however, that the balms got moldy and had to be disposed of quickly.
The allegations made by plaintiffs are more serious, though. According to Cronin's filings, her lips became "substantially dry and coarse ... [and] began severely cracking on the edges, causing flaking and bleeding from the cracks."
The Company Responds
A spokesperson for EOS sent the following statement to reporters: "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."
Indeed, earlier this week, one EOS user contacted the company via their Facebook page and posted this: "I like EOS as much as the next girl, but I find that they get moldy so I don't buy them anymore. I get lip balm just as good for half of the price."
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