RoC class action alleges retinol cleanser ineffective

RoC retinol class action overview:

• Who: A group of skincare consumers filed a class action lawsuit against RoC Opco LLC.
• Why: The plaintiffs allege RoC misled consumers into believing its retinol cleanser would deliver the anti-aging benefits of retinol.
• Where: The RoC retinol class action was filed in California federal court.

A new class action lawsuit alleges RoC Opco LLC misled consumers into believing its retinol cleanser would deliver the anti-aging benefits of retinol.

A group of five skincare consumers filed the class action complaint against RoC on Feb. 19 in California federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.

According to the complaint, RoC’s “Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum Cleanser” is advertised as providing anti-aging benefits, such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

However, the plaintiffs allege that the Retinol Correxion cleanser is ineffective because it is rinsed off immediately after application, preventing the retinol from having enough contact time with the skin to work.

RoC rinse-off retinol cleanser cannot be effective, plaintiffs allege

The plaintiffs explain that retinol — a vitamin A derivative — needs to undergo a complex biological conversion to its active form, retinoic acid, to be effective. This conversion process requires long-term, consistent exposure to the skin, they say.

According to the lawsuit, RoC exploits consumers’ perception of the benefits of retinol and their lack of knowledge about how it works by selling a rinse-off cleanser that cannot deliver the advertised benefits.

“Washing off retinol within seconds after application means the retinol will not and cannot provide the advertised benefits,” the lawsuit alleges.

The plaintiffs say RoC’s advertising claims about the retinol cleanser are deceptive and misleading, as the product does not provide the promised skincare benefits.

They seek to represent anyone in the United States who purchased the retinol cleanser and anyone who purchased the product in California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

The plaintiffs are suing for violations of consumer protection laws and unjust enrichment. They seek certification of the class action, damages, restitution, injunctive relief, fees, costs and a jury trial.

In 2022, L’Oreal USA Inc. was hit with a similar class action lawsuit alleging it misled its customers about the collagen ingredients in its anti-aging products.

What do you think of the claims in this RoC cleanser class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiffs are represented by Timothy G. Blood, Thomas J. O’Reardon II and James M. Davis of Blood Hurst & O’Reardon LLP.

The RoC retinol class action lawsuit is Vales, et al. v. RoC Opco LLC, Case No. 5:25-cv-01755, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose Division.

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