THE WHAT? A US District judge has rejected a motion by law firm Zimmerman Reed to force L’Occitane into arbitration with some 3000 customers. Judge Percy Anderson ruled that the French natural skin care brand was not subject to arbitration agreements with shoppers simply because they visited its website.
THE DETAILS According to a report published by Reuters, the judge ruled that the consumers in question could not prove that they had visited the website. The parties have until Monday to show cause that the remainder of the lawsuit should not be dismissed.
L’Occitane has countered with a fraud lawsuit against the law firm, charging it with manufacturing the claims, although it isn’t expected to be successful.
THE WHY? The law firm alleged that L’Occitane’s use of third-party tracking software violated privacy laws. A spokesperson for the French natural beauty firm declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.
Clinical aesthetics products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics or cosmetic dermatology. These products are typically designed and formulated to be used under the supervision of healthcare professionals, such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or trained aestheticians. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain active ingredients or formulations that require expertise in their application or administration.
Examples of clinical aesthetics products include:
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Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Examples include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane.
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Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectables that temporarily paralyze facial muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles caused by repetitive movements, such as frown lines and crow's feet.
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Chemical Peels: Solutions applied to the skin to exfoliate and improve its texture. They can treat acne, pigmentation issues, and signs of aging.
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Laser and Light Therapies: Devices that emit focused light or laser energy to treat various skin conditions, including acne, scars, and signs of aging.
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Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients like retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants to address specific skin concerns under medical supervision.