Paul Mitchell Faces Lawsuit Over “Made in USA” Claims for Tea Tree and Men’s Hair Products

Lawsuit Details: What Products and Claims Are Involved According to court filings, Paul Mitchell’s best-sellers—including Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner, Tea Tree Special Shampoo and Invigorating Conditioner, Tea Tree Lemon Sage Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, and Tea Tree Grooming Pomade—are all marketed as “Made in the USA.” Yet, lead plaintiffs allege these products contain prominent ingredients like tea tree oil, jojoba, agave, and shea butter, none of which originate from the United States.

The lawsuit extends beyond Tea Tree: JPMS’s MITCH men’s hair care line is also targeted for using imported inputs but carrying the “Made in USA” claim. Plaintiffs say they purchased these items expecting exclusively domestic sourcing and manufacturing, paying a premium for what they believed to be U.S.-made products.

Legal Standards and FTC Guidance Central to the dispute are regulations enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC requires that marketers ensure products labeled “Made in USA” are “all or virtually all” made from U.S.-sourced and U.S.-manufactured components.

If not, clear disclaimers or qualifiers must be provided. The class…