Mielle Organics, a Black woman-owned haircare brand celebrated for its natural products catering to textured hair, is facing a legal battle that could reshape its reputation and consumer trust.
The Illinois-based company founded by Monique Rodriguez, along with its parent company, Procter & Gamble, is named in a class-action lawsuit filed on Nov. 21.
The lawsuit, brought by Georgina Gomes, claims that Mielle’s popular Rosemary Mint Scalp & Strengthening Hair Oil, a product highly praised for promoting hair growth, caused hair loss instead.
Gomes alleges the product contains ingredients that led to her and other users experiencing hair loss, despite the absence of warnings about such risks on the label.
In her legal filing, Gomes asserts:
“No reasonable consumer would have paid any amount for a cosmetic product that contained ingredients causing hair loss or containing a high risk of causing hair loss.”
The lawsuit accuses Mielle Organics and Procter & Gamble of violating the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, fraud, unjust enrichment, and other state consumer protection laws.
Gomes is seeking class-action certification, monetary damages, and a jury trial. She is also encouraging others with similar experiences to join the legal action.
What’s at Stake for Mielle Organics?
Mielle Organics has long been a trusted name in the natural haircare community, particularly among Black women who have supported the brand for its commitment to healthy, natural ingredients.
The stakes go beyond financial losses; the lawsuit threatens the brand’s credibility and relationship with its loyal customer base.
The inclusion of Procter & Gamble, which acquired Mielle Organics in Jan. 2023, also raises questions about corporate oversight and the formulation of products under its ownership.
For Mielle Organics, this lawsuit represents not just a legal challenge but a critical moment to address consumer concerns and rebuild trust.
