Clinique SPF 50 Sunscreen Lawsuit Claims Product Delivers Only SPF 26 Protection 2026, What Consumers Need To Know About False Advertising Claims
A December 2025 class action alleges Clinique’s “Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face” provides only SPF 26 protection despite its labeling. If you purchased this sunscreen relying on SPF 50 claims, here’s what the lawsuit means for your consumer rights and potential compensation.
What The Clinique Sunscreen Lawsuit Alleges
Plaintiff Maria Krasnova filed Krasnova v. Clinique Laboratories LLC (Case No. 1:25-cv-02060) on December 29, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. The lawsuit targets Clinique’s “Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face,” alleging the product delivers far less sun protection than advertised.
According to court filings, independent laboratory testing revealed the sunscreen provides only SPF 26 protection—approximately 48% less than the labeled SPF 50. Krasnova claims this false advertising deceived consumers into paying premium prices for inadequate sun protection while creating potential health risks.
Which Clinique Sunscreen Products Are Affected?
The lawsuit specifically names Clinique’s “Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face.” Krasnova purchased the product from Macy’s website for $25.90, relying entirely on the SPF 50 protection claim on the label and marketing materials.
The complaint alleges Clinique falsely, deceptively, and misleadingly represented the product as providing SPF 50 protection. Consumers who purchased this sunscreen between December 2021 and the present may qualify for the class action.
What Legal Claims Are Being Made Against Clinique?
The lawsuit alleges violations of California and federal consumer protection laws, including breach of express and implied warranty, false advertising, fraud, and unjust enrichment. Krasnova claims she would not have purchased the product—or would have paid significantly less—had she known the true SPF rating.
The complaint emphasizes that Clinique’s misrepresentation poses serious health risks. Consumers relied on the SPF 50 claim for adequate sun protection against skin cancer and premature aging, only to receive a product providing roughly half the advertised protection.
Similar to cases involving McDonald’s Hot Coffee Just Burned Another Victim Face, this lawsuit invokes product liability principles where manufacturers must accurately represent product performance and safety features.
Current Status Of The Clinique SPF Lawsuit
As of January 2026, the lawsuit is in early litigation stages. No settlement has been reached, and Clinique has not yet filed a response to the complaint. The case was filed just weeks ago in December 2025.
Krasnova’s attorney Frank S. Hedin of Hedin LLP represents the plaintiff and seeks to certify a nationwide class of consumers who purchased the affected sunscreen. Class certification proceedings typically occur 6-12 months after filing.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Class action lawsuits for false advertising typically seek refunds of purchase prices, compensation for the difference between what consumers paid and the actual product value, and potentially punitive damages for intentional misrepresentation. The lawsuit also seeks injunctive relief forcing Clinique to correct its labeling.
Consumers who join the class action would likely need to provide proof of purchase showing they bought the Clinique SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face during the class period. Receipts, credit card statements, or order confirmations from retailers like Macy’s would serve as acceptable documentation.
What Clinique Sunscreen Buyers Should Do Now
If you purchased Clinique’s SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face, save all purchase documentation immediately. This includes receipts, online order confirmations, credit card statements showing the purchase, and photographs of the product packaging with SPF 50 labeling visible.
Monitor the case through legal news sources and class action settlement trackers. Once class certification occurs, eligible consumers will receive official notice with instructions for joining the lawsuit or filing claims.
File complaints with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov and the Food and Drug Administration through FDA’s MedWatch program. These reports create official records supporting the investigation and potential enforcement actions against false advertising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Clinique sunscreen settlement in 2026?
No settlement exists as of January 2026. The lawsuit was filed December 29, 2025, and is in early litigation stages.
Which Clinique sunscreen is affected by the lawsuit?
The lawsuit specifically targets “Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face.” Other Clinique sunscreen products are not named in the current complaint.
What SPF protection does the Clinique sunscreen actually provide?
Independent laboratory testing allegedly found the product provides only SPF 26 protection, despite being labeled and marketed as SPF 50.
How do I know if I can join the lawsuit?
Consumers who purchased the Clinique SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face between December 2021 and present may qualify once the class is certified.
What proof do I need to file a claim?
Typical sunscreen class action settlements require proof of purchase such as receipts, online order confirmations, or credit card statements showing the transaction.
Is this Clinique’s first false advertising lawsuit?
No. Clinique faced previous class actions over “oil-free” makeup containing oils (2021), probiotic creams lacking live probiotics (2021), and benzoyl peroxide products containing benzene (2024).
What happens if I already used all the sunscreen?
You can still participate in the class action if you have proof of purchase. You don’t need to retain the physical product to file a claim.
Last Updated: Feb 4, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides legal information about the Clinique SPF 50 sunscreen class action lawsuit based on court filings and does not constitute legal advice.
If you purchased Clinique’s SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face, preserve your purchase records and monitor official case developments for claim filing instructions.
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.
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