What is the Neutrogena Light Mask?
The Neutrogena Visibly Clear Light Therapy Acne Mask and Activator serves as a device for treating acne, described by J&J as an item that “kills acne bacteria and fights inflammation,”. According to information from Amazon [2], this mask functions by softly permeating the skin at various levels to activate the skin's natural processes. It utilizes blue light to tackle the bacteria responsible for acne and red light to alleviate inflammation caused by acne.
According to Johnson & Johnson, the acne mask comes with 1 activator and is intended for use 10 minutes at a time, with a total of 30 treatments per package. The Neutrogena Light Mask retails for between $30 and $40, making it one of the more affordable acne masks on the U.S. market.
Acne Treatment Side Effects
- Eye Injuries
- Eye Pain or Discomfort
- Eye Damage
- Blinding
- Blurring of Vision
- Tearing
- Seeing Spots or Flashes of Light
- Other Changes in Vision
Related: Elmiron Vision Damage Lawsuit
See other product liability cases we're currently taking.
Neutrogena Recall Missed by Many
News of the Neutrogena Light Mask Recall was missed by many consumers until mid-July, when the Australian Department of Health (Therapeutic Goods Administration, or TGA) issued a consumer-level recall and provided additional information [3]. According to the TGA recall letter, Neutrogena Acne Mask “has been identified that, for a small subset of potentially susceptible people (including people with certain eye-related disorders e.g. retinitis pigmentosa, ocular albinism, other congenital retinal disorders), repeated exposure may cause varying degrees of retinal damage that could be irreversible and could accelerate peripheral vision impairment or loss.”
Neutrogena Class Action Claims Acne Wash is Falsely Advertised
A recently-filed class action lawsuit alleges that the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask is falsely advertised as supplying a full 30-day acne treatment, when in reality it contains an actuator that fails earlier than that. The product’s instructions state that activators are good for a 30-day period, and that the user will have to buy a new activator after the period expires.
However, according to the class action, the acne treatment does not last a full 30 days. This constitutes an act of fraud, according to the class members, due to an action of planned obsolescence. In this case, ‘planned obsolescence’ refers to a product manufacturers design to quickly become outdated, requiring additional purchases at regular intervals in order to stay up-to-date.
The class action is: Rebecca Correia v. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., Case No. 2:18-cv-09918-PSG-AS, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
FAQs
What compensation can I seek in a Neutrogena Light Mask lawsuit?
In a Neutrogena Light Mask lawsuit, plaintiffs may seek compensation for medical expenses related to treating eye injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages due to time off work, and other damages associated with the harm caused by the device. In some cases, punitive damages may also be pursued if gross negligence by the manufacturer is proven.
How do I know if I qualify to file a Neutrogena Light Mask lawsuit?
To qualify for a Neutrogena Light Mask lawsuit, you typically need to have used the Light Therapy Acne Mask and suffered from significant eye injuries or vision problems as a result. Consulting with a lawyer who specializes in product liability cases can help determine your eligibility.
What evidence is needed to support my claim in a Neutrogena Light Mask lawsuit?
To support your claim in a Neutrogena Light Mask lawsuit, you will need evidence such as medical records documenting your eye injuries or vision problems, proof of purchase of the mask, and any communication with healthcare providers regarding the device. Expert testimony may also be necessary to establish a link between the device and your injuries.
Can I file an individual lawsuit instead of joining a class action related to the Neutrogena Light Mask?
Yes, you can file an individual lawsuit instead of joining a class action if you prefer. Individual lawsuits allow for more personalized compensation based on your specific circumstances, but they may involve a more complex legal process than participating in a class action.
What to Do if You Purchased an Acne Mask
If you own or use a Neutrogena Light Mask, TGA recommends that you stop using it immediately, even if you do not have a pre-existing eye condition or take medication that may affect your vision. Contact Johnson & Johnson for additional inquiries, and for information about a possible refund/exchange.