A California mother thought she was protecting her children when she reached for Huggies Simply Clean baby wipes at her local grocery store. The packaging promised "gentle ingredients" and "plant-based" care for her little ones.
What the mom didn't know was that independent laboratory testing would later reveal toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals lurking in those same wipes she trusted on her children's delicate skin.
Now, a class action complaint filed in the Northern District of California seeks answers and accountability.
Breaking Down the Huggies PFAS Class Action
In October 2024, Bridget Erickson filed a federal lawsuit against Kimberly-Clark Corporation, the manufacturer of Huggies baby wipes.
She says that despite the company marketing these wipes as "simply clean" and safe for everyday use, the products contain dangerous forever chemicals that pose serious health risks to infants and children.
What happened to the class plaintiff?
Erickson regularly purchased Huggies Simply Clean Fragrance Free Baby Wipes from her neighborhood Safeway store in Eureka, California.
Like millions of parents across America, she chose these wipes specifically because the packaging emphasized their gentle, plant-based formula.
She used the products on her children regularly, trusting Kimberly-Clark's promises of "gentle ingredients" and dermatologically tested formulas, giving her confidence that she was making a safe choice for her family.
Testing reveals dangerous toxins
Erickson’s class action centers on damning laboratory results from independent testing commissioned by her counsel and revealing that Simply Clean Baby Wipes contain 305 parts per trillion of PFAS toxins.
According to Erickson, a Department of Defense, ELAP-certified laboratory conducted this testing in March 2024 to ensure the lawsuit met the "highest standards of accuracy and reliability."
Company promised clean products
The alleged PFAS findings highlight a stark contrast between Kimberly-Clark's marketing promises and product reality.
The company prominently displays "simply clean" on Huggies product packaging, alongside claims of being "plant-based wipes since 1990."
The wipes' packaging also boasts multiple safety assurances:
- "Hypoallergenic"
- "Dermatologically Tested"
- "Alcohol Free"
- "Paraben Free"
- "Great for baby's hands, face, bottom"
Nowhere on the ingredient list or product warnings does Kimberly-Clark mention PFAS contamination.
False advertising and unjust enrichment claims
Erickson says Kimberly-Clark's omission constitutes deliberate deception, especially given the growing awareness of PFAS dangers in consumer products.
She argues that if parents had known about the PFAS contamination, they either wouldn't have purchased the wipes or would have paid significantly less.
New plaintiffs sought nationwide
Erickson wants to establish a nationwide class of Simply Clean purchasers, with a specific subclass for California residents who hold additional protections under multiple consumer protection laws.
Beyond compensatory damages, the complaint also seeks injunctive relief to compel Kimberly-Clark to cease its misleading marketing practices immediately.
What Makes PFAS Exposure Dangerous for Children?
PFAS earned their "forever chemicals" nickname because they don't break down naturally in the environment or the human body.
These synthetic chemicals accumulate over time, building up in organs and tissues with each exposure. For babies and young children, this accumulation poses particularly severe risks.
Leads to skin problems
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued warnings specifically about children's vulnerability to PFAS exposure.
Researchers have recognized that infant skin differs dramatically from adult skin in ways that amplify chemical exposure dangers.
Newborns' skin is "20-30% thinner than adults," with higher permeability, allowing substances to penetrate more easily. The skin's protective outer layer (stratum corneum) also doesn't fully develop until after the first year of life.
Other opinions weigh in
Another AAP study reported that developing organs, faster metabolisms, and longer remaining lifespans in children mean that early chemical exposures may have profound, lasting impacts.
According to researchers, children also have different exposure patterns - they put their hands in their mouths frequently and have more skin surface area relative to body weight.
Mathematics of baby wipe exposure
Erickson's lawsuit asks the courts to consider the AAP findings and how parents use baby wipes 10,000 to 12,000 times annually during diaper changes.
Each wipe application leaves residue on the skin that isn't rinsed away. The genital area, where parents use most wipes, has particularly thin and permeable skin. And Erickson says the absorption risk multiplies on baby girls due to potential absorption through vaginal tissue.
Other PFAS Health Risk Studies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented several health effects linked to PFAS exposure in recent years.
In 2024, the Agency reported that forever chemicals interfere with natural hormones, disrupt normal development, and accumulate in the bloodstream over time, and can cause the following impairments:
- Liver damage and elevated cholesterol
- Decreased fertility and pregnancy complications
- Increased asthma risk and respiratory issues
- Suppressed immune system function
- Reduced vaccine effectiveness
- Thyroid disorders and hormone disruption
CDC studies further revealed that long-chain and short-chain PFAS pose similar toxicity risks, debunking industry claims that newer "replacement" PFAS are safer.
Immune deficiency and cancer claims
The National Toxicology Program likewise found clear evidence linking PFAS exposure to immune suppression, particularly concerning infants whose immune systems are still developing.
Finally, the NTP has reported on the cancer risks associated with PFAS exposure, including kidney, testicular, and liver cancers. And while these may not manifest until adulthood, the seeds of cellular damage can be planted during early childhood exposure, according to researchers.
State Consumer Protection Laws at Play
The Huggies class action cites several California consumer protection statutes for holding Kimberly-Clark accountable for deceptive marketing practices.
California Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA)
This statute prohibits unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts in consumer transactions. Erickson claims Kimberly-Clark violated CLRA by misrepresenting the wipes' characteristics, ingredients, and benefits.
Her counsel also sent a CLRA notice to Kimberly-Clark on April 22, 2024, giving the company 30 days to remedy the violations. The company failed to respond or correct its practices.
False Advertising Law
These violations occur when businesses make untrue or misleading statements about products. The class action argues that marketing baby wipes containing toxic chemicals as "gentle" and safe constitutes false advertising under California law.
Unfair Competition Law (UCL)
State statutes protect all California consumers against unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business practices. Here, Kimberly-Clark allegedly gained an unfair advantage over competitors who either disclosed PFAS content or genuinely avoided these chemicals in their products.
Breach of Warranty and Unjust Enrichment
Lastly, Erickson's complaint includes remedy pleas for breach of express warranty, as the "gentle ingredients" promise may have created a guarantee that the products are safe for babies. Unjust enrichment claims also seek to recover the premium prices parents paid based on false safety assurances.
Who May Qualify for the Class Action?
The Huggies baby wipes lawsuit proposes a class designed to include and protect as many affected consumers as possible:
- Any US resident who purchased Huggies Simply Clean Fragrance Free Baby Wipes
- Purchases made during the applicable statute of limitations period
- Both online and in-store purchases qualify
- You do not need proof of purchase at this preliminary stage
California residents form a special subclass with additional claims under state law.
The lawsuit also specifically excludes purchases made for resale purposes, focusing on end consumers who bought these products for personal use for their children.
Potential Compensation and Remedies Sought
Erickson’s attorneys are seeking comprehensive relief for all affected families.
Monetary Damages: Full refunds for purchases of contaminated wipes, potentially covering years of buying these products. California residents may receive additional compensation under state law provisions.
Punitive Damages: Under the CLRA, courts can award punitive damages to punish particularly egregious corporate conduct and deter future deceptions.
Restitution: Recovery of all profits Kimberly-Clark earned through the deceptive marketing of these products.
Injunctive Relief: Court orders requiring Kimberly-Clark to:
- Stop all misleading marketing immediately
- Add clear PFAS warnings to packaging
- Implement testing and disclosure protocols
- Fund consumer education about PFAS risks
Attorneys' Fees and Costs: Consumer protection laws allow recovery of legal fees, ensuring families don't bear the financial burden of holding corporations accountable.
What Parents Can Do Right Now
If you've been using Huggies Simply Clean Wipes, take action to protect your family and their health.
- Check your wipes supply for affected varieties
- Look specifically for "Simply Clean Fragrance Free" on the packaging
- Stop using these products on your children
- Save any remaining packages as potential evidence
Finding safe baby wipe alternatives
Protecting your baby also requires vigilance in product selection.
- Contact manufacturers directly: Talk to companies about PFAS testing before purchasing.
- Seek Third-Party Certifications: Look for independent safety verifications.
- Research Thoroughly: Check Environmental Working Group ratings.
- Consider Alternatives: Water-based wipes or reusable cloth options.
- Read Beyond Marketing: Examine actual ingredients, not just front-label claims.
Next Steps in the Huggies Class Action
The legal process follows predictable stages, though the timing for this class action remains uncertain.
Already Completed:
- CLRA notice sent on April 22, 2024
- Kimberly-Clark failed to remedy violations within 30 days
- Formal complaint filed October 7, 2024
Upcoming Milestones:
- Class certification motion, where the court decides whether to approve class action status.
- Discovery phase revealing internal Kimberly-Clark documents.
- Expert testimony on health risks and testing methods.
- Potential settlement negotiations.
- Trial date if a settlement isn't reached.
The discovery phase promises particular interest as attorneys gain access to internal communications about PFAS knowledge and testing.
These documents should reveal what the Kimberly-Clark people knew and when they knew it.
Find the Truth About Your Baby's Gentle Wipes
The Huggies Simply Clean class action represents more than legal claims - it's about the 305 parts per trillion of PFAS chemicals that may have touched your baby's skin during thousands of diaper changes.
Every parent who trusted Kimberly-Clark’s "plant-based" and "dermatologically tested" labels deserves answers and accountability.
While these allegations await their day in court, your family's health can't wait - check your wipes today, find safer alternatives, and stay informed about this developing lawsuit that could change how companies market baby products forever.
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