Arm & Hammer ‘Natural’ Deodorant Settlement Gets Initial OK

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A New Jersey federal judge has preliminarily approved a class action settlement over allegations the labeling, advertising and marketing of Arm & Hammer Essentials “Natural Deodorant” was misleading because not all of the deodorant’s ingredients were natural.

According to the class action lawsuit, Arm & Hammer Essentials deodorant contains triclosan, a synthetic antibacterial agent which, according to some studies, may disrupt hormones and contribute to the growth of superbugs. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not determined triclosan is harmful to humans, the agency has been looking into the substance’s effect on human health since 2010. The FDA’s website indicates the agency is currently working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to obtain a better understanding of the health risks posed by triclosan.

Church & Dwight Co. Inc., which is responsible for the labeling, marketing and sale of Arm & Hammer Essentials deodorant, denies the allegations but agreed to pay $1.9 million to settle the class action lawsuit. Church & Dwight has already changed the labeling and advertising of the Arm & Hammer Essentials deodorant to address the concerns raised in the class action lawsuit, even though the company maintains that it did not mislead consumers.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Michael Shipp granted preliminary approval to the Arm & Hammer deodorant class action settlement, finding that the proposed deal “falls within the range of reasonableness meriting final approval.”

Class Members of the Arm & Hammer class action settlement include anyone in the United States who purchased Arm & Hammer Essentials deodorant with the label stating “Natural Deodorant.” Under the terms of the class action settlement, Class Members who submit valid and timely claims will be eligible for a $4 cash refund for each unit of Essentials with the “Natural Deodorant” label they purchased.

Under the terms of the class action settlement, Class Members who do not provide proof of purchase may make a claim for up to five Essentials deodorant products, while those who submit receipts may receive reimbursement for more than five products.

The actual amount each claimant will receive depends on the number of timely and valid claims submitted. If the total number of eligible claims exceeds the amount available in the class action settlement fund, the awards may be reduced on a pro rata basis.

More information about how to file a claim for the Arm & Hammer natural deodorant class action settlement was not immediately available. Keep checking TopClassActions.com or sign up for our free newsletter for the latest updates. You can also mark this article as a “Favorite” using your free Top Class Actions account to receive notifications when this article is updated.

The Class is represented by Natalie Finkelman Bennet and James C. Shah of Shepherd Finkelman Miller & Shah LLP.

The Arm & Hammer Essentials Deodorant Class Action Lawsuit is Trewin, et al. v. Church & Dwight Inc., Case No. 3:12-cv-01475, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

UPDATE: Instructions on how to file a claim for the Arm & Hammer Essentials deodorant class action lawsuit are now available! Click here or visit www.ChurchandDwightSettlement.com for details.

UPDATE 2: On Feb. 6, 2016, Top Class Actions readers started receiving Arm & Hammer deodorant settlement checks worth as much as $11.46. If you filed a claim, keep checking your mailbox because you may soon be receiving your payout!