Dr. Squatch agrees to $9 million settlement over natural marketing claims
Personal care company Dr. Squatch agreed to create a fund for consumers in a proposed class action resolution. The legal deal establishes nine million dollars to resolve claims over synthetic ingredients on product packaging. It applies across consumer markets, including shoppers in Albuquerque.
A lawsuit filed last year accused the firm of marketing products as natural. Plaintiffs alleged the goods contained certain synthetic substances.
Court documents cited magnesium hydroxide, labeled an inorganic compound by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Filings also named hydrogenated vegetable oil. Dr. Squatch denied the allegations and any wrongdoing.
Consumers qualify if they bought designated goods between Nov. 1, 2018, and August 29, 2026. The items had natural on the label, according to the proposed deal.
Qualifying goods cover all sizes, scents, and varieties of:
- Men’s Natural Bar Soap
- Men’s Natural Beard Oil
- Men’s Natural Beard Oil & Cologne
- Men’s Natural Body Wash
- Men’s Natural Cologne
- Men’s Natural Cologne Oil
- Men’s Natural Conditioner
- Men’s Natural Deodorant
- Men’s Natural Face Wash
- Men’s Natural Hand Sanitizer
- Men’s Natural Hand Soap
- Men’s Natural Lip Balm
- Men’s Natural Lotion
- Men’s Natural Lotion to Powder
- Men’s Natural Post Shave
- Men’s Natural Shampoo
- Men’s Natural Shave Butter
- Men’s Natural Toothpaste
- Men’s Natural Wipes
Claimants can submit requests online or mail a printed form. Online filers must state if they have a claim ID.
The form requests contact details and purchase locations, including Albuquerque stores. It asks whether buyers have proof of purchase.
Verified claimants can receive paper checks or digital transfers. Options include PayPal, Zelle, and e-Mastercard, court records show.
Payouts depend on purchase receipts. Claimants with proof can receive 50 cents per item up to 20 products. That totals ten dollars.
Claimants without proof may get 50 cents per item for up to five products. That total equals $2.50. Combining both categories allows a maximum payout of $12.50.
Individual payouts may rise or fall. Total claim numbers determine the final amount.
The deadline to file a claim is November 27, 2026. Consumers who wish to opt out, exclude themselves, or object must act by Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026.
Payments will not go out immediately. A final court approval hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2027, according to the settlement site. Potential legal objections could delay distribution.
Class action settlements resolve broad consumer claims without individual trials. A judge reviews terms to ensure fair compensation for class members. Final approval orders legally bind participating consumers across jurisdictions like Albuquerque.
Payouts follow after court approval.
