Unilever Sought Dismissal of Benzene Lawsuit

The company asked a federal judge to end a class action lawsuit involving alleged benzene contamination in dry shampoo.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Consumer Goods

Unilever Sought Dismissal of Benzene Lawsuit

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Unilever filed a motion to dismiss a consumer class action lawsuit alleging benzene contamination in its dry shampoo products. This move follows a federal judge’s earlier decision to reject a $3.6 million settlement agreement proposed in the case.

Why it matters

The company argues that plaintiffs cannot rely on website statements to establish legal claims, asserting that such online information does not function as official product labeling. This development forces the legal process to continue after the previously negotiated resolution failed to gain court approval.

The litigation centers on a $3.6 million settlement deal that was previously rejected by the court. The case remains active as Unilever moves to dismiss the class action.

The players

Unilever

Unilever is a multinational consumer goods company that produces a wide range of household products including food, refreshments, and personal care items.

The details

Unilever contends that claims brought by the plaintiffs are legally insufficient because they rely on website statements rather than product packaging. The motion, filed in a Connecticut federal court, aims to halt the proceedings entirely.

September 25, 2026: Unilever filed the motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

Market Landscape

The litigation follows the rejection of the $3.6 million settlement agreement, which sets the current baseline for judicial oversight of consumer class actions in this sector. This filing highlights the ongoing tension between corporate digital communications and consumer protection standards in the personal care industry.

Average consumers should monitor the case for updates regarding potential recalls or changes to product labeling practices. The outcome may influence how major brands communicate product safety and ingredients on their digital platforms.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of legal distinctions between online marketing copy and formal product packaging. Consumers should remain aware that digital statements from corporations may not carry the same legal weight as information directly printed on retail labels.