Colgate Class Action Lawsuit, What Consumers Need to Know About Claims, Eligibility, and Deadlines 2026

If you have purchased Colgate toothpaste, specifically those marketed for children or whitening, you may have legal rights in several ongoing class action lawsuits. As of January 30, 2026, the Colgate-Palmolive Company is facing significant legal challenges ranging from allegations of toxic heavy metal contamination to deceptive marketing of fluoride products.

While a massive $332 million settlement was recently finalized for a specific group of Colgate employees, consumer-facing settlements for product safety and false advertising are still in the active litigation phase. This guide explains which products are involved, the specific safety concerns, and the steps you should take to protect your family and your right to compensation.

Which Colgate Products are Involved in the Lawsuits?

Several distinct legal actions are currently moving through U.S. federal courts, each targeting different Colgate-Palmolive product lines. The most pressing cases as of January 2026 involve:

• Kids’ Fluoride Toothpastes: This includes Colgate Kids Watermelon Burst, Colgate Kids Cavity Protection, and the Unicorn Pump toothpaste. Lawsuits allege these are aggressively marketed to encourage children to use unsafe amounts of fluoride.
• Heavy Metal Concerns: A 2025 class action (Clayborne et al. v. Colgate-Palmolive) alleges that Colgate Total Whitening and Colgate Watermelon Burst contain elevated levels of lead and other heavy metals like arsenic and mercury.
• Colgate Optic White Renewal: Litigation continues regarding claims that the “Removes 10 Years of Yellow Stains” marketing is false and not supported by clinical evidence.
• Fabuloso Cleaning Products: While a separate $1.9 million settlement was reached for bacteria-contaminated cleaners, that claim period closed in 2024.

The Legal Claims: What Did Colgate Allegedly Do Wrong?

The lawsuits are built on several legal theories, primarily product liability, false advertising, and violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act and similar state laws.

The core allegations include:

• Deceptive Marketing to Children: Plaintiffs argue that by using “toy-like” packaging (e.g., unicorns) and candy flavors, Colgate encourages toddlers to swallow toothpaste. Ingesting large amounts of fluoride is dangerous for children under six and can lead to dental fluorosis or acute toxicity.
• Undisclosed Toxins: Lab tests cited in recent filings claim that certain toothpastes tested positive for lead at levels exceeding 200 parts per billion. The lawsuits allege Colgate failed to disclose these risks on their labels.
• Hidden Warnings: One specific claim involves the Colgate Unicorn Pump, where the lawsuit alleges that critical FDA-mandated safety warnings are hidden behind a “peel-back” label that most consumers never see.

Current Status: Settlements and Deadlines in January 2026

As of January 30, 2026, the status of these cases varies:

1. Pension Settlement ($332M): This case (McCutcheon v. Colgate) received final approval on January 14, 2026. This is strictly for former employees regarding pension miscalculations. Payments are expected by May 28, 2026.
2. Consumer Product Lawsuits: These are currently in active litigation. There is no nationwide consumer settlement fund or claim form available yet. This means there is no immediate deadline to file a claim, but parents are encouraged to document their purchases now.

What You Must Know

Eligibility Verification: Do You Qualify?

To be eligible for a future settlement or to join current litigation, you generally must have purchased the affected products within a specific timeframe (typically 2011 to 2025, depending on the state). You are a potential claimant if:

• You purchased the Colgate Kids line for a child under the age of six.
• Your child has developed dental fluorosis (white spots or pitting on teeth) after using these products.
• You purchased Colgate Total or Watermelon Burst based on the belief they were non-toxic and safe for daily use.

The Risk of Lead and Fluoride in Plain English

“Product liability” laws exist to ensure companies tell the truth about what is in their products. In these cases, the risk isn’t just about a “bad batch.” It’s an allegation that the product design itself—the flavor, the pump, and the ingredients—is inherently unsafe for its target audience (children). Lead is a neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure, and excessive fluoride can permanently damage a child’s tooth enamel before their adult teeth even emerge.

Common Mistakes: Don’t Throw Away Your Evidence

The most common mistake consumers make is throwing away the product or deleting digital receipts once they hear about a lawsuit. Even if a settlement doesn’t require “proof of purchase” for small amounts, having a physical bottle or a target.com receipt can significantly increase your potential compensation if the case moves to a final judgment.

What to Do Next

Step 1: Verify Your Purchases

Check your pantry or bathroom for the specific products mentioned, particularly the Unicorn Pump or Watermelon Burst flavors. Look through your email for digital receipts from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Target.

Step 2: Monitor Your Child’s Health

If you have used these products for a young child, consult a dentist specifically about dental fluorosis. Document any findings of tooth discoloration. This medical record will be vital if you need to prove “injury” in a product liability claim just like happend in bayer-antifungal-spray.

Step 3: Stay Updated on the “Effective Date”

Because these consumer cases are in the early stages, no settlement administrator has been appointed. You do not need to hire a lawyer to be part of a class action settlement, but you should monitor official court updates to ensure you don’t miss the claim window once it opens.

FAQs

What Colgate products are involved in the lawsuit?

The primary products are Colgate Kids (Watermelon Burst, Cavity Protection, Unicorn Pump), Colgate Total Whitening, and Colgate Optic White Renewal.

Who is eligible for a Colgate settlement?

Currently, only former employees in the pension miscalculation case are receiving payments. Consumer eligibility for toothpaste claims will be defined if a settlement is reached later in 2026.

What is the claim deadline?

There is no deadline for toothpaste claims yet as no settlement exists. The pension settlement deadline for objections passed in December 2025.

How much compensation can I receive?

For consumer products, typical settlements range from $5 to $50 for simple refunds. However, if a child suffered dental damage, individual product liability claims could be much higher.

Is Colgate toothpaste safe to use?

Colgate maintains its products are safe and meet all regulatory standards. However, the lawsuits allege the kids’ products encourage “overuse” which can lead to fluoride toxicity.

How do I file a claim?

When a settlement is approved, an official website will be launched where you can submit a form. Currently, you should just save your receipts.

Last Updated: January 30, 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney regarding your specific legal rights.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah