The Costco wipes lawsuit is a major class-action legal battle centered on allegations that Costco Wholesale Corporation marketed and sold its Kirkland Signature baby wipes as safe, natural, and suitable for sensitive skin while these products contained unsafe levels of toxic chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often referred to as “forever chemicals.” As of 2025, the lawsuit has advanced through key court rulings, shedding light on consumer protection, product safety, and corporate accountability issues tied to everyday personal care products.
Costco Wipes Lawsuit: Background and Key Allegations
In mid-2024, plaintiffs Larisa Bullard of California and Mila Corrigan of New York filed a class-action lawsuit against Costco and the manufacturer of the wipes, Nice-Pak Products, Inc., in federal court in California. They alleged that Costco’s Kirkland Signature fragrance-free baby wipes were labeled as “made with naturally derived ingredients” and promoted as suitable for sensitive baby skin, but independent laboratory testing revealed the presence of approximately 3.7 parts per billion of PFAS chemicals in the wipes. PFAS compounds have been associated with serious health risks, including cancer, immune suppression, liver toxicity, and endocrine disruption.
The plaintiffs argue that Costco’s marketing was deceptive because it contradicted the product’s actual chemical composition, exposing consumers—particularly babies and young children—to harmful substances they specifically sought to avoid by purchasing what was advertised as natural and non-toxic. The lawsuit alleges violations of consumer protection laws including California’s False Advertising Law, New York General Business Law, and federal express warranty statutes, accusing Costco and Nice-Pak of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and breach of warranty.
Legal Proceedings and Court Rulings
Initially, a U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg dismissed the complaint for lack of specificity in February 2025. However, after the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint with detailed chemical evidence about the types and concentrations of PFAS found, the court reinstated the lawsuit in May 2025. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs had plausibly alleged that the baby wipes contained harmful PFAS and that consumers relied on Costco’s misleading marketing claims when purchasing the product.
The case is now in the discovery phase, where both sides gather evidence through expert testimony, internal documents, and communications. Legal experts view this case as part of an emerging wave of PFAS litigation extending beyond industrial contamination to consumer goods, signaling increasing legal scrutiny of chemical disclosure and safety in personal care products.
Additional Consumer Complaints and Related Wipes Lawsuits
Alongside the PFAS lawsuit, Costco also faces class-action claims relating to its Kirkland flushable wipes. These lawsuits allege that the wipes falsely bear the “flushable” label while causing plumbing clogs, sewer backups, and costly damage. Consumers argue the products do not disintegrate as labeled, leading to widespread property damage and municipal maintenance expenses.
In 2024, a separate $2 million settlement resolved certain claims related to plumbing issues from flushable wipes, with compensation available to affected consumers. However, warranty and labeling disputes continue as plaintiffs push for greater transparency and stricter regulatory standards for wet wipes products.
Broader Implications for Consumers and Industry
The Costco wipes lawsuits emphasize critical concerns over chemical safety, truthful advertising, and corporate responsibility in the personal care industry. Health experts warn that PFAS exposure, particularly in infants due to delicate skin and developing organs, poses serious public health risks. The lawsuits press for greater transparency in product ingredients and labeling to protect vulnerable populations.
For retailers and manufacturers, these cases underscore the importance of rigorous third-party testing, honest marketing, and proactive disclosure of any hazardous substances. Consumer advocacy groups are calling for enhanced government regulations to prevent deceptive labeling and to impose stricter limits or bans on PFAS in consumer products.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Costco Wipes Lawsuit
What are PFAS, and why are they harmful?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used for their water and stain-resistant properties but are known to persist indefinitely in the environment and accumulate in the human body. They have been linked to health problems including cancer, hormone disruption, immune system impairment, and developmental issues in children.
What products are involved in the Costco wipes lawsuit?
The lawsuit specifically targets Costco’s Kirkland Signature fragrance-free baby wipes, which were marketed as being made with naturally derived ingredients and safe for sensitive skin.
What is Costco accused of doing wrong?
Costco and its wipes manufacturer are accused of misleading consumers by marketing the wipes as natural and safe while selling products contaminated with unsafe levels of PFAS. They face allegations of false advertising, breach of warranty, and failure to disclose the presence of harmful chemicals.
What is the current status of the lawsuit?
As of mid-2025, the class-action lawsuit has survived motions to dismiss and is proceeding through the discovery phase. Courts have allowed claims to advance based on sufficient allegations of chemical contamination and consumer reliance on misleading marketing.
Are there settlements available?
No settlement has been announced yet for the PFAS baby wipes lawsuit, but legal observers expect potential negotiations or trial proceedings later in 2025 or beyond.
How can consumers participate?
Consumers who purchased the Kirkland Signature baby wipes during the relevant period may be eligible to join the class action and seek compensation if harmful exposure or reliance is proven.
Conclusion
The Costco wipes lawsuit highlights significant issues at the intersection of consumer safety, environmental health, and corporate transparency. As PFAS chemicals increasingly become a focus of litigation beyond industrial sites, cases like this signal a new era of accountability for everyday products. Costco’s ongoing legal battle over Kirkland baby wipes serves as a wake-up call to manufacturers and retailers to ensure ingredient safety, honest marketing, and protection of vulnerable consumers. The outcome of these lawsuits could set important precedents for how personal care products are regulated and trusted in the years ahead.
