Class action alleges Target ‘reef-conscious’ sunscreen contains ingredients dangerous to coral reefs

Target sunscreen class action lawsuit overview: 

• Who: Annet Tivin filed a class action lawsuit against Target Corp. 
• Why: Tivin claims Target falsely advertises that its up & up brand sunscreen is “reef-conscious,” when, in reality, it contains ingredients that are harmful to coral reefs. 
• Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in Florida federal court. 

Target Corp. falsely advertises that its Up & Up sunscreen is “reef-conscious” when, in reality, it includes ingredients that are harmful to coral reefs, a new class action lawsuit alleges. 

Plaintiff Annet Tivin claims Target’s “reef-conscious” Up & Up sunscreen contains chemicals that have been linked to causing harm to coral reef ecosystems, and that the company does not label this on the product. 

“Nowhere on the labeling does the Product tell purchasers that its inactive ingredients are inconsistent with ‘protecting and safeguarding’ coral reefs, which is what they expect from a ‘reef-conscious formula’,” the Target class action states. 

Tivin wants to represent a Florida class of consumers who have purchased Target’s Up & Up sunscreen that is marketed as “reef conscious” during the statutes of limitations for each cause of action alleged. 

Target misleads consumers who are trying to be environmentally conscious, class action says

Tivin argues Target is misleading consumers who are trying to be environmentally conscious, while, at the same time, selling the “reef-conscious” Up & Up sunscreen at a premium price that is higher than other similar products represented in a “non-misleading way.” 

“The labeling of the Product as a “reef-conscious formula” even though its active and inactive ingredients do not “protect and safeguard” coral reefs, results in its “misbranding,” because it misleads consumers,” the Target class action states. 

Tivin claims Target is guilty of fraud and of violating the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and a Florida statute involving false and misleading advertising. 

The plaintiff is demanding a jury trial and requesting declaratory relief along with an award of monetary damages for herself and all class members. 

A similar class action lawsuit was filed against Target and skincare company Fruit of the Earth  in 2021 by a consumer arguing they manufactured and sold Up & Up sunscreens that were falsely advertised as being safe for coral reefs. 

Have you purchased Target’s Up & Up sunscreen? Let us know in the comments 

The plaintiff is represented by William Wright of The Wright Law Office PA and Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates PC. 

The Target sunscreen class action lawsuit is Tivin v. Target Corp., Case No. 0:23-cv-62245, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

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