
Colgate-Palmolive
TINA.org found Colgate-Palmolive deceptively marketing its Colgate and Tom’s of Maine toothpaste tubes as “recyclable” despite not being recycled in reality.
In May 2019, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Colgate-Palmolive Company for allegedly misleadingly marketing Palmolive® Ultra Pure + Clear® dish detergents as being “hypoallergenic” and containing “No Unnecessary ingredients” when, according to the complaint, the dish detergents contain harsh chemicals, allergens and skin irritants. (Livingstone et al v. Colgate-Palmolive Company, Case No. 19-cv-4643, S. D. NY.)
For more of TINA.org’s coverage of the marketing of dish detergents, click here.
TINA.org found Colgate-Palmolive deceptively marketing its Colgate and Tom’s of Maine toothpaste tubes as “recyclable” despite not being recycled in reality.
Allegations: Deceptively marketing products as safe
Allegations: Failing to disclose that products contain, or are at risk of containing, toxic heavy metals, including lead and mercury
Allegations: Deceptively marketing candy- and fruit-flavored mouth rinses as safe for children when fluoride mouth rinses are not safe for children younger than 6 years old
Allegations: Falsely marketing products as safe for children when the fluoride in them is not safe for children to swallow
Allegations: Failing to disclose that products contain, or are at risk of containing, lead and arsenic
Allegations: Marketing products as safe, healthy, natural, and effective
Allegations: Failing to disclose that products contain a bacteria and may increase the risk of contracting invasive infections
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing products as safe and gentle whitening toothpastes when charcoal is abrasive to enamel and gums
Allegations: Falsely advertising toothpaste tubes as recyclable
Allegations: False natural claims
Allegations: False natural claims
Allegations: Falsely marketing toothpaste as “antiplaque” when none of the ingredients reduce, prevent or remove plaque
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing sunscreens as if the mineral ingredient zinc oxide is the only active ingredient
Allegations: Falsely advertising toothpastes as safe when charcoal is abrasive and causes damage to enamel and gums
Allegations: Failing to disclose products contain the carcinogen benzene
Allegations: False natural claims
Allegations: Deceptively using slack-filled containers
Allegations: Misleadingly marketing that the antiperspirants fight yellow stains and do not leave white marks when an ingredient in them causes both
Allegations: Falsely advertising that antiperspirants fight yellow stains and white marks when the active ingredient causes both
The bottom line? Toothpaste tubes aren’t generally getting recycled.
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Some of the worst ads TINA.org covered this year.
TINA.org has tracked more than 150 lawsuits alleging greenwashing.