Mielle Organics at the Center of Controversy,
Class-Action Lawsuit Against Rosemary Mint Hair Oil
Mielle Organics, a natural haircare brand that grew popular among Black women, is facing controversy over its bestselling Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil. Social media users claim the product caused hair loss, sparking wider concerns about its ingredients, possible formula changes, and counterfeit distribution. Given the product’s popularity, the issue has drawn significant attention from both consumers and the beauty industry. Here’s a summary of the unfolding situation.
Mielle Organics’ Revitalizing Products
Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
The Start of the Controversy
Founded in 2014 by Monique Rodriguez, Mielle Organics is a natural haircare brand that gained significant popularity among Black women by offering products tailored for textured hair, including curly and coily hair types. Among its products, the Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil earned a reputation for promoting scalp health and hair growth, becoming the brand’s flagship product. In January 2023, Mielle Organics was acquired by global giant P&G. Around the same time, user reviews on TikTok and YouTube began circulating rapidly, with some consumers, particularly Black women, reporting hair loss and scalp irritation after using the product. Concerns over the product intensified as videos detailing these issues continued to spread.
Legal Issues and Class-Action Lawsuit
On November 21, 2024, Georgina Gomes of Massachusetts and a group of plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit against Mielle Organics and its parent company, Procter & Gamble(P&G), in federal court in Illinois. In the lawsuit, Gomez and other plaintiffs claimed the product was marketed as promoting hair growth but instead caused hair loss. They added that “Plaintiffs would not have purchased Defendants’ Products at all had they known the Products contained ingredients causing hair loss and other injuries or risked causing hair loss or other injuries.”
The plaintiffs argued that despite being advertised as a hair growth aid, Mielle’s Rosemary Mint Hair Oil contains potentially harmful ingredients and lacked clear warning labels disclosing these risks. Citing unjust enrichment and consumer protection violations, Gomez and others are seeking damages alongside consumers with similar experiences.
Rumors Spreading Amid Consumer Concerns
Mielle has grown into a symbolic brand that honors Black women’s ‘self-care’ and ‘cultural identity.’ However, the recent product controversy has sparked concern and disappointment among its core consumer base, raising questions about the brand’s trustworthiness. Some consumers claim product quality changed after the P&G acquisition, suggesting possible shifts in formulation or manufacturing. The brand maintains that both the ingredients and production process remain unchanged.
Additionally, Social media rumors suggest that the original developer of Mielle’s core product left the company after the acquisition, fueling speculation about possible formula changes. However, no official statements or concrete evidence have confirmed this, and definitive conclusions should be approached with caution.
Key Points So Far
Mielle Organics stated that it is difficult to directly link the reported hair loss to their product, citing individual differences and external factors like stress or hormones. They also noted that counterfeit products circulating in the market could be responsible for some consumer issues. On their official website, the brand warns that certain online listings may not be authentic and advises customers to check for the “Sold by Mielle Organics” label. Retailers may need to implement product authentication and supply chain checks to prevent counterfeit distribution. Experts have also noted that natural ingredients in Mielle products—such as peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and menthol—can trigger allergic dermatitis in users with sensitive scalps. Clear communication about potential irritants and recommending patch tests before use could be a proactive step retailers take to protect consumers.
