Vanicream Class Action Alleges Deceptive SPF on Sunscreen

A class action lawsuit alleges that Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc. misled consumers that its Vanicream SPF 50+ Sunscreen lotion was more protective than sunscreen with lower SPF ratings.

“The stated SPF value is the most pertinent information on a sunscreen label,” the complaint argues. The class action continues that the “information on the labels of Vanicream SPF 50+ are false and misleading, and have deceived the public.”

The Vanicream sunscreen deceptive SPF rating class action lawsuit states that the SPF rating of a sunscreen lotion is a calculation of how long it would take to burn unprotected skin versus skin with sunscreen on it.

Therefore, a higher SPF rating should be more protective.

The complaint notes that “consumers have become familiar with SPF values” and that they “have learned to associate higher SPF values with greater sun protection.”

The class action asserts that Vanicream makes several deceptive statements about its protection and SPF rating to consumers.

Vanicream’s website proclaims that the sunscreen “is equipped with Broad-Spectrum  UVA and UVB protection” and that it prevents sunburn, “decreases risk of skin cancer, and early aging caused by sun if used as directed.” While the product label itself states that it offers “Broad Spectrum SPF 50+” protection, the lawsuit states.

However, “the Vanicream SPF 50+ product provides none of the protection that the labels on the containers claim to provide,” according to the class action.

The complaint cites to an independent study conducted by Consumer Reports, which found that Vanicream “SPF 50+” Suncreen actually provides only SPF 17 protection. Based on that independent report, the class action contends that the makers of Vanicream violated California consumer protection laws.

This is not the only class action lawsuit based on that study by Consumer Reports. That study found that 48 percent of the lotions tested fell below their stated SPF rating.

A separate class action lawsuit was filed in June against Banana Boat Kids SPF 50 sunscreen, alleging that it also deceptively marketed a higher SPF rating than it actually provides. According to that class action complaint, the Banana Boat sunscreen only supplies an actual SPF rating of 8.

In the Vanicream sunscreen deceptive SPF rating class action, plaintiff Brianna Quinonez states that she purchased a tube of Vanicream SPF 50+ sunscreen lotion for $19.99 at a Walgreens in California. She claims that she relied on the statements made on the product label, and would not have purchased the expensive sunscreen lotion had she known the low protection it actually gives.

The lawsuit asks the court to certify a Class of “All California consumers who purchased a product in the Vanicream SPF 50+ product line…for personal use.”

The class action seeks damages and restitution, as well as an injunction stopped the deceptive advertising and requiring defendant Pharmaceutical Specialties to “engage in a corrective advertising campaign.”

Quinonez is represented by Justin Farahi and Raymond M. Collins of Farahi Law Firm, APC.

The Vanicream Sunscreen Deceptive SPF Rating Class Action Lawsuit is Brianna Quinonez v. Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc., Case No. 2:16-cv-05966, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Western Division.