Unilever faces $5m lawsuit over St. Ives face scrub

Unilever is facing a $5m lawsuit regarding the company's St. Ives brand face scrub.

According to the lawsuit filed by Kaylee Browning and Sarah Basile to the US District Court at central California in the US, the scrub is not fit to be sold or used as a facial scrub.

The customers stated the crushed walnut shells present in the scrub damage skin and led to inflammation and irritation. In addition, they claim that the dermatologically tested label on the product is not true.

The plantiffs also claim that the scrub can cause microscopic tearing of the skin.

Unilever's spokesperson was quoted by Today.com as saying: “As a general practice, we do not comment on pending litigation.

"We can say that for over 30 years, consumers have loved and trusted the St. Ives brand to refresh and revitalise their skin. We are proud to be America’s top facial scrub brand and stand by our dermatologist-tested formula.”

The plantiffs have charged Unilever US of fraud and violation of the California's Unfair Competition Law, reported norcalrecord.com.

Seeking a trial by jury, the customers have urged the lawsuit to be certified as a class action and have sought compensatory and punitive damages, reported Norcalrecord.com.