Kirkland Baby Wipes Class Action Lawsuit, Are You Eligible to Join?
Parents across the U.S. have filed multiple class action lawsuits against Costco Wholesale Corp. and manufacturer Nice-Pak Products Inc. over Kirkland Signature Fragrance Free Baby Wipes. The lawsuits allege that Costco marketed the wipes as “made with naturally derived ingredients” while independent lab testing detected PFAS chemicals and microplastics in the product. No settlement exists yet. These cases are still in active litigation.
Quick Facts
| Field | Detail |
| Settlement Amount | No settlement reached — litigation phase |
| Claim Deadline | No claim deadline — no settlement exists yet |
| Who Qualifies | U.S. consumers who purchased Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes, Fragrance Free |
| Payout Per Person | TBD — no settlement announced |
| Proof Required | TBD |
| Settlement Status | Active litigation — no settlement proposed |
| Administrator | TBD |
| Official Case | Bullard v. Costco Wholesale Corp., Case No. 4:24-cv-03714, N.D. Cal. |
Where These Lawsuits Stand Right Now
- The original complaint was dismissed in February 2025, but an amended complaint was later allowed to proceed. Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg ruled that questions about the risk posed by the chemicals should not be resolved at the pleading stage.
- Class certification is expected to be addressed later in 2025, meaning affected consumers in California, New York, and beyond may soon be eligible for formal participation.
- A second set of lawsuits — filed in June 2025 by nonprofit GMO/Toxin Free USA and plaintiff Ella Rosewood — separately alleges the wipes contain microplastics and targets deceptive marketing claims made about the product’s environmental profile.
What Are the Kirkland Baby Wipes Lawsuits About?
Plaintiffs Larisa Bullard and Mila Corrigan claim Costco marketed and sold Kirkland-branded fragrance free baby wipes containing unsafe levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — a class of synthetic chemicals commonly called PFAS or “forever chemicals.” The lawsuit was filed in California federal court and also names wipes manufacturer Nice-Pak Products Inc.
The wipes are specifically marketed as free from chlorine, dyes, and phthalates, and as providing a gentle, clean option for babies’ sensitive skin. The plaintiffs argue that no reasonable consumer would expect a product marketed for infants and described as “made with naturally derived ingredients” to contain PFAS chemicals.
A second lawsuit, filed by plaintiff Ella Rosewood in June 2025 in the Eastern District of New York, separately alleges that the same wipes contain significant levels of microplastics — despite being marketed as “plastic-free” and suitable for sensitive skin. Both sets of lawsuits allege that Costco misled consumers about what was actually in the product.
What Chemicals Are at the Center of This Case?
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals linked to thyroid disorders, immunotoxic effects, cancers, liver damage, and fertility issues. They are known as “forever chemicals” because they break down slowly — if at all — in the human body and in nature.
Testing conducted by the plaintiffs’ counsel at an independent Department of Defense-certified laboratory found 3.7 parts per billion of PFAS in the wipes. The original complaint did not identify the specific PFAS chemicals detected, which the court cited as a reason for the initial dismissal. The amended complaint, filed in 2025, identified three specific PFAS compounds and their concentrations — and the court allowed that version to move forward.
The lawsuit points out that parents and caregivers typically use between 10,000 and 12,000 baby wipes each year, which the plaintiffs argue makes the potential for repeated chemical exposure particularly significant for infants. It is worth noting that the court has not ruled that the wipes are unsafe, and no U.S. regulatory agency has issued a violation notice or recall related to these products.
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Who May Qualify to Join This Lawsuit?
Because no settlement exists, there is no formal claim process open right now. However, you may be part of the proposed class if:
- You purchased Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes, Fragrance Free from Costco or through a delivery service like Instacart
- Your purchase happened within the applicable statute of limitations period (the exact date range is TBD pending class certification)
- You relied on the product’s “naturally derived ingredients” or similar marketing claims when making your purchase
- You are a U.S. resident (California and New York subclasses are also proposed)
You do not need to take any action to join a class action at the filing stage. If a settlement is reached later, affected consumers typically receive notice by mail or email.
What Could You Receive If There Is a Settlement?
No payout amounts exist because no settlement has been proposed. The plaintiffs are seeking:
- Compensatory damages for money paid for the product
- Punitive damages from both Costco and Nice-Pak Products Inc.
- Declaratory and injunctive relief, which could force changes to the product’s labeling or formula
- Restitution for consumers who would not have purchased the wipes had the alleged PFAS content been disclosed
If and when Costco reaches a settlement, the payout structure — including whether proof of purchase will be required and how much each consumer might receive — will be announced publicly. You can check back here or monitor the court docket for updates.
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Milestone | Date |
| Original Class Action Filed | June 20, 2024 |
| Initial Complaint Dismissed | February 14, 2025 |
| Amended Complaint Allowed to Proceed | May 2025 |
| Microplastics Lawsuit Filed (Rosewood) | June 4, 2025 |
| Class Certification Hearing | TBD (expected 2025–2026) |
| Claim Filing Deadline | TBD — no settlement announced |
| Opt-Out Deadline | TBD |
| Objection Deadline | TBD |
| Expected Payment Date | TBD |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to join this class action?
No. You do not need to hire a lawyer to be included in a class action lawsuit. If the case settles, class members typically receive notice automatically. You only need a lawyer if you want to opt out and pursue your own individual claim.
Is this lawsuit legitimate?
Yes. Bullard v. Costco Wholesale Corp., Case No. 4:24-cv-03714, is an active case pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The court denied Costco’s motion to dismiss the amended complaint in May 2025, allowing the case to proceed.
When will I receive a payment?
There is no payment available right now because no settlement has been reached. Class action cases at this stage typically take one to three more years before a settlement or trial verdict produces any payout for consumers.
What if I missed the claim deadline?
There is no claim deadline yet because no settlement has been announced. When a settlement is eventually reached, a new deadline will be set — usually 90 to 120 days after a settlement is approved by the court. Watch for official court notices.
Will any settlement payment affect my taxes?
Typically, payments that compensate you for the purchase price of a defective product are treated as a return of money rather than income and are not taxable. However, tax rules vary by individual situation. Consult a tax professional if you receive a payment.
Did Costco issue a recall for Kirkland baby wipes?
No. As of April 2026, Costco has not issued a recall, and no U.S. regulatory agency has ordered one. The lawsuits allege deceptive marketing — the court has not ruled that the product is unsafe.
What is the difference between the PFAS lawsuit and the microplastics lawsuit?
The PFAS lawsuit (Bullard v. Costco) was filed in California federal court in 2024 and focuses on alleged “forever chemicals” in the wipes. The microplastics lawsuit was filed in New York federal court in June 2025 by plaintiff Ella Rosewood and focuses on the product’s “plastic-free” marketing claim. Both cases allege consumer deception, but they involve different chemicals and different courts.
Are PFAS chemicals commonly found in baby products?
PFAS are widespread synthetic chemicals found across many products and environments. Their presence in a product does not automatically mean the manufacturer intentionally added them. This is a key legal question the court will explore as the Kirkland baby wipes case moves toward class certification.
Last Updated: April 4, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal claims and outcomes depend on specific facts and applicable law. For advice regarding a particular situation, consult a qualified attorney.
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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