Avon Sued Over Injuries from Stretch Mark Cream
Only purchase products from company-verified distributors. Photo: Getty Images
The product, which contains Butea, a plant extract to lighten stretch marks, as well as ingredients to boost elastin and collagen, won the prestigious Cosmetic Executive Women's Insider Choice Award and has numerous positive reviews on various websites.
However, Betances claimed she was burned by the cream, which she purchased from an Avon dealer on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx.
Could this have been a case of diversion?
Companies like L'Oreal have recently spoken out against products being distributed by unlicensed people or companies. Buying products from anywhere other than company-authorized retailers puts the consumer at risk of buying an outdated, unauthentic, or tainted product.
No word yet as to whether the seller was identified and whether or not she was in fact a verified Avon rep. To avoid any risk, anyone purchasing Avon products should only do so through the representatives listed on Avon.com.
CQ 6-30-2009 @ 2:27PM
Betances will lose if the agent was unauthorized.
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Barbara 7-01-2009 @ 8:05PM
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Barbara 7-01-2009 @ 8:10PM
Most companies that sell stretch mark lotions to misled women have no clue as to what's really good for your skin and have no clue how to repair it. That's the reason they will sell you lotions full of hormone-skewing preservatives, irritating frangrances, weak collagen & nasty fillers. The methods listed in this e-book:
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Caroline @ Salescoop 6-30-2009 @ 5:57PM
This is an absolutely awful story to hear and definitely teaches us a lesson! Buying products from a random store when you KNOW that the brand is only sold in certain places is usually a bad idea...even if you just get ripped off and have a product that isn't high quality. Thank you for this information! It will help many shoppers avoid the same mistake.
Caroline
www.twitter.com/salescoop
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Allie 7-01-2009 @ 8:03PM
I have sold Avon and I believe that the amount of time and $$ put into selling it qualifies us as a dealer. I don't sell anylonger but feel that this case is bogus. It wouldn't burn the skin but could have caused a serious reaction that didn't sit well with her skin tone, or she lathered it on so much that it caused problems.
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BW Carlton 7-01-2009 @ 8:35PM
Avon products have caused horrible rashes on my face. The Anew line is the responsible product.
Mimi 7-02-2009 @ 12:08PM
i bought this product and it DID BURN.... it burn to the point that i had to completly wash it off and after the fact, it still burned and itched....
I love avon, but that product sucked....
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Dee 7-01-2009 @ 8:29PM
She could have had an allergic reaction to an ingredient... people are so intent on trying to get quick money! UGH... we are ALL living in this economy too you know! But not everyone is trying to cheat money out of people, companies, or due to situations... Seriously... grow up!
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Angel 7-01-2009 @ 8:40PM
I bought an under eye cream from avon, and it burned my skin and left a small rash.I returned the product for a full refund. Consumers really need to be aware of what they're purchasing from any cosmetics company. I have sensitive skin, so I am allergic to many products on the market.
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AJ 7-01-2009 @ 10:07PM
If you have allergies, why in the world would you put something new under your eyes? I always test products behind my ears or on the the wrist - never anywhere on my face.
rettak8 7-01-2009 @ 8:41PM
sounds like she had an allergic reaction to the cream. She should not be allowed to sue the company. people are entirely too quick to sue!
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Beth 7-01-2009 @ 8:41PM
I have been using Avon products for years and have never, ever had a problem. The company spends so much money on product development and science and far less on packaging and advertising than dept store brands. I love the Anew Flash Facial and though in my 40's, always get taken for being in 30's.
Their whole Anew line is great and I also LOVE their 14 Karat lipsticks. I always buy at http://www.everydayfabulous.com where there is always coupon codes for free shipping and discounts.
I have used the product that the woman is suing over and I find it impossible that it could have burned her. The product is gentle. My only issue is that I wish it worked faster. I still have stretch marks. I have NO complaints on the Flash Facial or the Anew anti aging eye treatment.
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Barbra 7-01-2009 @ 8:42PM
Yikes, The skin is one of the largest cell blocks or organs on the body. Creams work, but you have to feed the cells nutrients to really get nice skin! I use Acai Berry and my skin looks fantastic. I also do not use any chemical's on my skin. The Acai-eez has lots of Omega 3,6 and 9 which is excellent for skin nourishment, also it helps with the bowels and is loaded full of Antioxidants that protect the skin against aging. I get that Buy 3 get 1 FREE at http://www.Acai-eez.com/ also drink lots of water
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Lee 7-01-2009 @ 8:45PM
If this is the case, it's probably due to misuse and not following instructions.
Also, before trying any new product they ask you to try it on a small part of the skin, to see if your skin will tolerate it.
Most buyers are using way too much, you only need a very small amount.
They have dates on it.
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Karen 7-01-2009 @ 8:47PM
I too cannot use Avon's Anew products due to sensitive skin & allergies. I can't use many other products, including Pro-Activ because they cause severe rashes. I narrowed it down to being allergic to benzyl alchohol....did I sue them for my allergy, that's a bit of a no-brainer. Too bad everyone's out for a quick buck these days.
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Jen 7-01-2009 @ 9:33PM
The woman is an idiot for 2 reasons.
A) She bought the cream from some guy in the freakin' concourse, having NO idea if she was buying a genuine product.
B) Almost everyone knows that when you try a new lotion, moisturizer, or ANY skin product that you are supposed to do a spot check to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction or something.
I have no sympathy for this woman, and I hope she loses her lawsuit.
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Jean 7-01-2009 @ 9:44PM
Some folks would try anything for an opportunity to "sue" someone for big bucks! Disgusting !
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Becky 7-01-2009 @ 9:41PM
I am an Independent Avon Representative and have been for about 8 years. I grew up on Avon and have used a variety of their products myself throughout my life. They conduct extensive research and product testing before releasing a product to the public. They are a reputable company that stands behind their products and their Reps.
I have personally used the stretch mark cream and right away my skin turned red and I felt a warm sensation. I immediately got a wet cloth and removed the cream. I was fine as soon as I removed it. I kept the product to use as a demo so a small amount could be applied to potential customers to test for a similar reaction before purchasing for themselves.
Most people when they read the directions will notice a directive to test the product on a small area first and if they react badly, then to promptly stop using the product. This is exactly what I did and what this woman should have done.
This lawsuit is a waste of time and money.
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talkinturtles 7-02-2009 @ 12:16AM
just because you have not had a reaction doesn't mean this lady couldn't have one. or more likely, its a rif off product and she shouldn't have bought it. as for me, i keep trying different avon creams believing all the hype they put in their ads. no more... actually, i won't buy any expensive creams for aging lightning, or for anything other than a good moisturizer cream. i can get that for less than $6. all the money i've spent on the anew under eye creams and wrinkle creams has been a waste. what's wrong with aging naturally anyway?
talkinturtles 7-02-2009 @ 12:34AM
good for you! very responsible to keep that to make sure people aren't allergic before they buy it!