Mielle Organics founder Monique Rodriguez claims some underhanded tactics were used to tarnish her brand, especially the Rosemary Mint Oil product.
In an astonishing disclosure, Rodriguez has recently stated that a rival company purportedly compensated an influencer to disseminate misleading information about her company’s highly sought-after Rosemary Mint Oil.
In September, the sentiment shifted from the Rosemary & Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil as a miracle product for hair growth and scalp health after several users claimed that the same product was now causing severe hair loss and scalp irritation.
The backlash quickly gained momentum as TikTok users went viral with complaints about clumps of hair falling out after using the oil. Some claimed that the adverse outcomes were merely due to usage mistakes, while others argued that these experiences resulted from the product ingredients and the company’s transition to mass production after teaming up with the personal care giant Procter & Gamble.
In a statement, Monique Rodriguez, who founded Mielle Organics in 2014, shared the details of the alleged smear campaign. “Here’s the thing,” she began, “we recently discovered that the original TikTok creator who sparked all of those rumors about Mielle products causing hair loss and falsely claiming that the Rosemary Mint Oil formula has changed—that creator has been paid by one of our competitors.”
Rodriguez revealed that the influencer had been earning a commission by promoting a competitor’s product while simultaneously spreading misinformation about Mielle Organics’ products. “Yes, this creator was earning a commission to promote a competitor’s product while spreading misinformation about our products for their own personal gain,” she said.
The entrepreneur mentioned that Mielle Organics first opted to tackle the matter quietly but found it necessary to speak up as the situation intensified. “In consideration of all parties involved, we attempted to manage this issue discreetly,” she said. “However, it has come to a stage where I believe it’s crucial to be open with all of you.”
In an effort to restore trust and set the record straight, Rodriguez assured customers that the original creator of the false videos has since been removed.
“People deserve to know the truth,” she said, adding, “and they deserve to understand that there are hidden motives behind the misinformation they are hearing on social media.”
