
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.
August 2015: The claims in this lawsuit were dismissed When a complaint is dismissed without prejudice, an amended version of the complaint can be refiled., the reasons for which have not been disclosed.
September 2014: A class-action lawsuit was filed against Colgate-Palmolive Company for allegedly deceptively packaging deodorants and antiperspirants, including Speed Stick® Power and Speed Stick® Deodorant. According to the complaint, the size of the container gives consumers the mistaken impression that they are getting more deodorant than they actually are (i.e., the container is 5 ¾ inches high and 2 ¾ inches wide when the deodorant is actually 3 ½ inches long and 2 ½ inches wide). (Alberto et al v. Colgate-Palmolive Company, Colgate-Palmolive (America) Inc., and Colgate-Palmolive (New York) Inc., Case No. 14-cv-05649, E. D. NY.).
For more information about other class-action lawsuits regarding deodorants and TINA.org’s coverage of the product, 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: 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
Steve Toloken , Plastic News
Allyson Chiu, The Washington Post
MADISON, CONN. Sept. 12, 2023—Colgate-Palmolive is deceptively marketing its Tom’s of Maine and Colgate toothpaste tubes as “recyclable” in violation of the FTC’s Green Guides, according to an investigation by…
TINA.org files greenwashing complaints against eco-friendly toothpaste brand.
Class-action lawsuits allege antiperspirants’ marketing claims don’t stick.