Lawsuits Filed Against Costco for Deceptive Marketing of Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes
Nonprofit GMO/Toxin Free USA has filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Costco Wholesale Corporation. In a separate action, plaintiff Ella Rosewood filed a class action lawsuit against Costco. Both lawsuits against the corporation allege false and deceptive marketing of Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes.
Costco markets its baby wipes as “plastic-free,” “made with naturally derived ingredients,” and “suitable for sensitive skin”. However, independent lab testing conducted for Toxin Free USA found that the product contains significant levels of microplastics, which are associated with a range of harmful health effects—particularly concerning for babies and young children.
Growing scientific research on microplastics and nanoplastics (particles smaller than one micrometer) has heightened concerns among public health experts. Studies have shown that the toxic chemicals embedded within microplastics can be absorbed through the skin, and that microplastic particles can penetrate the skin barrier and bioaccumulate in human organs, including crossing the blood-brain barrier and accumulating in the brain.
“This is deeply troubling. Parents deserve transparency and should not be misled when choosing products for their children. Baby wipes meant to clean and soothe delicate skin should not contain microplastics carrying carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. As a mother who lost her child to cancer, I find this unacceptable,” said Diana Reeves, executive director of Toxin Free USA. “Costco must immediately stop its deceptive marketing and remove microplastics from these baby wipes to protect families.”
The Toxin Free USA lawsuit, filed under the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act, seeks to halt Costco’s misleading advertising practices. The class action lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District Court of New York, seeks monetary damages. Both plaintiffs are represented by Richman Law & Policy.
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