Dealing with acne is frustrating. You want a solution that works, and the aisles of every pharmacy and supermarket are filled with products promising clear, healthy skin. Over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments seem like a convenient and affordable answer. They offer hope in a bottle, a simple way to take control of your complexion and feel more confident.
But what is actually in that bottle? These products are complex chemical formulas you apply directly to your skin, day after day. With thousands of options on the market, it’s a reality that some are not as safe as they appear. A manufacturer may cut corners, use an unstable ingredient, or fail to warn you about serious side effects.
When you purchase a defective acne treatment and it causes harm, you are not just left with a bad skin reaction; you may be left with a product liability case. You trusted a company to provide a safe product. When they fail, you have rights.
The Problem With Benzoyl Peroxide and Other Common Culprits
You have probably seen benzoyl peroxide listed as the active ingredient in many popular acne-fighting products. For years, it has been a go-to for its antibacterial properties. However, recent lab testing has raised serious alarms. A new study revealed that certain benzoyl peroxide dangers include its ability to degrade into benzene, a known human carcinogen, when stored at higher temperatures. This is information every consumer deserves to have.
This issue goes beyond a single chemical. Many harmful ingredients in skincare can cause severe problems if the product is poorly formulated or the risks are not clearly disclosed. Aggressive exfoliants can lead to chemical burns from face wash, while undisclosed allergens can trigger painful and disfiguring reactions. The bottom line is that a product sold to the public should not cause injury when used as directed.
What “Product Liability” Means for Your Skincare Injury
Product liability is a legal term, but the concept is straightforward. It holds manufacturers and sellers responsible when their products cause harm to consumers. If you were injured by an OTC acne product, a claim would likely fall into one of three categories:
- Design Defect: The problem is with the product’s core formula. For example, the chemical combination is inherently unstable and breaks down into a dangerous substance under normal conditions.
- Manufacturing Defect: The formula was safe, but something went wrong when your specific bottle was made. Perhaps it was contaminated or mixed with the wrong concentration of an active ingredient.
- Failure to Warn: The product had known risks, but the company failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions on its label. They did not give you the information you needed to use it safely.
These legal principles are a core part of Consumer Protection Laws, which exist to give you a path to justice when a company’s product injures you.
How a Product Liability Attorney Can Make a Difference
Facing off against a large skincare corporation can feel impossible. They have teams of lawyers and significant resources. This is where a product injury/product liability lawyer becomes your advocate. A lawyer’s job is to level the playing field.
A Product Liability Attorney will investigate every part of your case, including documenting your injuries, obtaining your medical records, researching the product and the company, and determining the type of defect that caused your harm. They handle the complex legal work so you can focus on your recovery. The objective is to build a strong case that demonstrates the product was defective and directly caused your injuries, which could lead to a skincare product recall that protects others from the same fate.
Holding Corporations Accountable for Defective Products
When you buy a product from a store, you place your trust in the entire chain of companies that brought it to the shelf. You trust them to have designed it safely, manufactured it correctly, and labeled it honestly. If that trust is broken and you suffer an injury as a result, you have the right to hold them accountable. This means obtaining compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and suffering. It is also about sending a message that consumer safety cannot be ignored.
The attorneys at Liever, Hyman & Potter, P.C., represent individuals who have been harmed by dangerous and defective consumer goods. We handle product liability cases involving everything from defective acne treatment to faulty auto parts and unsafe household appliances. The approach we take is a direct one and is grounded in the facts of your case.
If you or a loved one has suffered chemical burns, a severe allergic reaction, or another serious injury that you believe was caused by an over-the-counter skincare product, contact our product liability lawyers in Pennsylvania. We can provide a straightforward evaluation of your situation and discuss your legal options.
We can also provide you with assistance for medical malpractice cases. So don’t hesitate to give us a call.