Yesterday, according to report, Ulta Beauty is facing a nationwide class action lawsuit accusing the retailer of misleading consumers about the safety and integrity of its “Conscious Beauty” products. The suit, filed by plaintiff Margaret Garvey, alleges that Ulta’s marketing falsely represents the products as being made with “clean ingredients” that exclude substances listed on the company’s own “Made Without List.”
Launched in October 2020, Ulta’s “Conscious Beauty” initiative was promoted as a “first-of-its-kind” program designed to bring transparency to beauty shopping. The retailer said the initiative focused on five key pillars: clean ingredients, cruelty-free practices, vegan options, sustainable packaging, and positive impact. According to Garvey’s complaint, however, the company has failed to uphold these promises.
The lawsuit claims that despite Ulta’s commitment to exclude certain ingredients—such as acrylates, phthalates, and aluminum compounds—numerous “Conscious Beauty” products reportedly contain these banned substances. Garvey argues that Ulta’s website and marketing materials led consumers to believe the products were free from harmful chemicals, influencing purchasing decisions.
Garvey says she bought Ulta’s products under the impression they were clean and environmentally friendly, only to later discover the inclusion of restricted ingredients. She asserts she would not have purchased—or would have paid less for—the products had she known the truth.
The complaint alleges violations of California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act, False Advertising Law, Unfair Competition Law, and Environmental Marketing Claims Act. It also includes claims of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment. Garvey seeks to represent all U.S. residents who purchased “Conscious Beauty” products for personal or household use within the applicable statute of limitations.
