A new class action lawsuit alleges that Boots Retail USA Inc. falsely markets its No. 7 Beauty makeup remover and cleansing wipes as “biodegradable.” The case claims these products cannot break down in a reasonable timeframe when disposed of in landfills, where most consumers ultimately discard them. If you purchased these wipes believing they were eco-friendly, you may be eligible to join the legal effort to hold the company accountable.
The lawsuit, filed on April 28, 2026, in a New York federal court, focuses on No. 7 Beauty Biodegradable Makeup Removing Wipes and Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes. According to the filing, the “biodegradable” claim prominently displayed on the front of the packaging is misleading because typical landfill conditions—where oxygen is scarce—actually “mummify” waste rather than allowing it to decompose. Everyday people who pay a premium for “green” products are being deceived, the plaintiffs allege, because the wipes do not meet the environmental standards consumers expect.
Why the "Biodegradable" Label May Be Deceptive to Consumers
When you see the word “biodegradable” on a package, you likely expect the product to break down completely into natural elements within a short period—usually about one year. The lawsuit argues that No. 7 Beauty relies on this common understanding to charge higher prices to environmentally conscious shoppers. However, the complaint alleges that the wipes are destined for landfills or incinerators, where the environment is not conducive to rapid decomposition.
The legal team representing the plaintiffs points to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) “Green Guides” as evidence of deceptive practices. These federal guidelines state that companies should not make unqualified “degradable” claims if the product is typically disposed of in landfills, as these facilities do not allow for complete decomposition within a year. By using the term without clearly explaining these limitations, the lawsuit claims the company is taking advantage of consumers’ desire to protect the planet.
Understanding the Financial Impact on Everyday People
The core of this class action is about fairness and transparency. Many consumers are willing to pay a “green premium”—a higher price for products they believe are better for the environment. The lawsuit alleges that had you known the wipes would persist in a landfill for years or decades, you would have either paid significantly less for them or chosen a different brand entirely.
By allegedly overcharging for a standard product under the guise of environmental responsibility, the company has profited at the expense of its customers. This lawsuit seeks to recover those premium costs for everyone who bought the affected wipes. It serves as a reminder that corporations have a legal obligation to be honest about their environmental impact, especially when using that impact as a primary selling point.
Legal Context: New York Consumer Protection Laws
The lawsuit was filed under the New York General Business Law, which prohibits deceptive acts and false advertising. While the case was filed in New York, it aims to represent a “class” of consumers across the entire United States. These laws are designed to ensure that the information on a product’s label is accurate and not intended to trick a reasonable person into making a purchase they otherwise wouldn’t.
In the legal world, this is often referred to as “greenwashing.” Greenwashing occurs when a company spends more time and money marketing itself as environmentally friendly than on actually minimizing its environmental impact. This class action joins a growing number of cases across the country where everyday people are using the court system to challenge hollow environmental claims and demand better practices from major beauty brands.
You May Be Eligible if You Purchased These No. 7 Beauty Wipes
If you are someone who tries to make eco-friendly choices at the grocery or drug store, this case directly affects you. You do not need to be a resident of New York to potentially benefit from this legal action, as the lawsuit seeks to cover all individuals in the United States who bought the products based on the “biodegradable” labels.
Specifically, you may be eligible if you purchased:
No. 7 Beauty Biodegradable Makeup Removing Wipes
No. 7 Beauty Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes
Keep in mind that at this stage, the lawsuit is still in its early phases. There is no money available yet, and there is no guarantee that the court will rule in favor of the consumers. However, these cases often lead to settlements where affected customers can claim a portion of the funds or see changes made to the product’s packaging to prevent future deception.
What Should You Do Next?
At Class Action U, our mission is to empower everyday people to hold companies accountable. If you used No. 7 Beauty wipes because you wanted a more sustainable beauty routine, your voice matters in this case. We encourage you to follow the developments of Rosa, et al. v. Boots Retail USA Inc. as it moves through the court system.
You can take action today by:
Checking your past orders or loyalty card history to see if you purchased the affected wipes.
Monitoring for updates regarding filing deadlines or settlement news.
Connecting with an experienced class action attorney if you feel you have suffered specific harm or wish to learn more about your individual rights.
There is no obligation to reach out, and most class action attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they win the case. Stay tuned to our newsroom for the latest updates on this and other beauty industry investigations.
