Jessica Alba’s Honest Company is in hot water Friday after several consumers alleged that her brand’s SPF 30 sunscreen doesn’t actually provide any protection from the sun.
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NBC Chicago first reported that Alba’s billion-dollar empire, which is built upon the foundation of “safe and eco-friendly” baby and household products, was facing backlash from outraged parents claiming that the sunscreen did nothing to prevent burns. Customers condemned the product in Amazon reviews (57% of the 135 reviewers gave the product one star) while others took to Twitter to share their outrage over the sunscreen.
@Honest this is my very real result from Honest 30 SPF sunscreen. Only spent 1 hour outside. Burnt. #nothappy #red pic.twitter.com/T42TNeg5mj
— Brandon Atherton (@bdatherton) June 1, 2015
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Don’t buy @Honest sunscreen unless u want to look like this. Second time I’ve tried this stuff and got fried pic.twitter.com/pEhO5GYIkQ
— Lindsy (@LindsyMarshall) July 26, 2015
According to an investigation by NBC Chicago, the sunscreen met standards set by the FDA, and the Honest Co. reported to the outlet that the product was tested by a third party before it was released.
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The Honest Co. responded to the issue with the following statement:
The Honest Company is committed to providing safe and effective products, and we take all consumer feedback very seriously. Our Sunscreen Lotion was tested, by an independent 3rd party, against the protocols prescribed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) monograph for over-the-counter sunscreen products. The results showed that our product is effective and safe for use as an 80 minute water-resistant (FDA’s highest rating), SPF 30 sunscreen lotion in accordance with FDA regulations when used as directed (Shake Well. Apply liberally and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying and at least every 2 hours). The number of complaints received on our own website about our Sunscreen Lotion constitute less than one half of one percent of all units actually sold at honest.com. We stand behind the safety and efficacy of this product.
Only time will tell if the backlash will have any effect on the Honest Co.’ s new collection of beauty products, which is slated to launch this fall. Perhaps Alba can add an aloe vera lotion to the line.
11:00 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 2: Updated with a statement from The Honest Co.
