Unilever Sought Dismissal of Benzene Class Action Lawsuit
The company argues that website marketing claims do not constitute product labeling in consumer litigation.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Consumer Goods
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Unilever has filed a motion to dismiss a federal class action lawsuit alleging benzene contamination in its dry shampoo products. This move follows a judge's prior rejection of a proposed $3.6 million settlement.
Why it matters
The case tests whether manufacturers can be held liable for marketing statements published on corporate websites as if they were official product labels. A ruling in favor of the company could significantly limit the scope of consumer product liability claims.
A federal court rejected a $3.6 million proposed settlement in the benzene contamination class action. The litigation involves consumer claims regarding dry shampoo products.
The players
Unilever
A multinational consumer goods corporation that manufactures and markets a wide portfolio of personal care and hygiene products.
The details
Unilever moved to dismiss the lawsuit by arguing that the plaintiffs improperly relied on website statements as the basis for their legal claims. The company contends these digital assertions do not meet the legal threshold of product labeling. If the court agrees, it would narrow the evidence available to plaintiffs in future consumer goods litigation.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: Unilever filed the motion to dismiss the lawsuit in federal court.
Market Landscape
This motion follows the court's earlier rejection of the $3.6 million settlement, marking a shift toward formal dismissal arguments. The case highlights a broader trend where courts are rigorously evaluating the threshold between general marketing statements and legally binding labeling.
Operators should monitor the court's interpretation of website copy vs. physical labeling as it may change internal marketing compliance standards. Consult legal counsel to review how product descriptions across digital channels align with existing regulatory disclosures.
The takeaway
The case underscores the risks of discrepancies between digital marketing and product packaging claims. Ensure that all public-facing product claims are vetted by legal teams to minimize exposure to consumer class action litigation.
Further reading
For broader trends in product liability, see the Consumer Goods section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Law360.
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