Albertsons Accused of Misleading "Hypoallergenic" Label on Signature Body Wash

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit alleges Albertsons' Signature Care Sensitive Skin Body Wash is falsely marketed as “hypoallergenic” despite including common skin irritants in its formula.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who purchased Albertsons' Signature Care Sensitive Skin Body Wash and other related products.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California

Albertsons Companies, Inc. misleads consumers by marketing its Signature Care Sensitive Skin Body Wash as “hypoallergenic” and safe for sensitive skin, despite allegedly including known allergens in the formula, a newly filed lawsuit claims.

The complaint claims the company’s packaging, which compares the body wash to Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash, is deceptive and puts unsuspecting customers at risk.

Consumers Say Label Claims Don't Hold Up

The case was brought by Teresa Flores of Stanislaus County, California, who bought the body wash as a Christmas gift for her husband, who has sensitive skin. She says she trusted the front label’s promise of being “hypoallergenic” and suitable for sensitive users, but soon after using the product, her husband developed a rash on his neck and stomach. 

The family stopped using the wash, but Flores alleges she paid more than she would have had she known the product contained allergens and wasn’t truly comparable to Dove’s version.

Lawsuit Alleges Product Contains Common Skin Irritants

At the center of the lawsuit is the presence of Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), Methylisothiazolinone (MI), and Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), ingredients that researchers and regulators have flagged as common skin irritants. 

MCI and MI, often used as preservatives in personal care products, have been linked to allergic contact dermatitis, with studies suggesting sensitivity levels in North America have reached epidemic proportions. 

MI was even named “Allergen of the Year” in 2013 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society, while MCI is considered up to 30 times more potent. According to the complaint, Albertsons’ body wash not only includes these ingredients but also charges a premium price by positioning itself as a safer alternative to other products.

The lawsuit points to booming demand in the sensitive skincare market, valued at $42 billion in 2024 and expected to top $61 billion by 2034. With more consumers reporting skin sensitivities and actively seeking out hypoallergenic products, companies have raced to market items labeled as gentle and safe. 

The complaint argues Albertsons exploited this trend by branding its wash as hypoallergenic while including the very ingredients sensitive-skinned shoppers aim to avoid.

Beauty Industry Faces Increasing Legal Challenges Over Product Purity

Albertsons isn’t alone in facing scrutiny. Lume Deodorant and parent company Harry’s Inc. are battling claims that their “safe” deodorants actually triggered painful skin reactions. 

Beiersdorf, owner of Nivea, is being sued over allegedly inflated “natural” ingredient claims in its lotions. And Unilever is accused of marketing Dove and Love Beauty & Planet products as “93% Naturally Derived” when the formulas reportedly rely heavily on synthetic chemicals.

In her lawsuit, Flores is seeking to represent California consumers, along with buyers in other states with similar warranty protections. The lawsuit accuses Albertsons of violating consumer protection laws and breaching express warranties. She is asking for damages, restitution, court-ordered changes to the labeling, and other relief. 

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Flores v. Albertsons Companies, Inc.
• Case Number: 2:25-cv-02476-JAM-JDP 
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Jennifer L. MacPherson, Craig W. Straub, and Zachary M. Crosner (Crosner Legal, P.C.)

If you’ve used the Albertson’s Signature Care Sensitive Skin Body Wash before, let us know in the comments how your skin reacted.