Dermatologists List Health Reasons Behind EOS Lip Balm Suit

"A new class action lawsuit filed Tuesday in California claims a 'substantial number of consumers' have experienced adverse reactions to the product, including 'rashes, dryness, bleeding, blistering, cracking, and loss of pigmentation, lasting from a few days, to a few months, [leaving] some consumers with long lasting and perhaps permanent symptoms.'"

"The main things to avoid," she said of lip balm purchases, "are things with perfumes and fragrance, vitamin E, as well as beeswax."

Beeswax is a major allergen, and those with sensitivity need to know when it is in a product. Companies like Burt's Bees for example, are obviously very upfront about it, and for that reason, have been able to avoid a major suit.

Dr. Lauren Ploch, a New Orleans dermatologist, explains that people with allergies shouldn't be confused into thinking that because a product is "natural" it can't cause allergies. Milk is natural, and dairy and lactose are a major allergen. Common sense also needs to be used.

"Just like we can be allergic to natural fruits and plants," she said, "we can be allergic to their oils when they are applied topically."

And EOS has been proactive in addressing the suit for fans of their products.

"The health and well-being of our customers is our top priority and millions of satisfied customers use our products every day, many of whom take the time to share their experiences with us," EOS spokesperson Nancy Chan told The Huffington Post.

"We firmly believe this lawsuit is without merit. Our products are made with the highest quality ingredients and meet or exceed all safety and quality standards set out by our industry and validated by rigorous testing conducted by an independent lab. The health and well-being of our customers is our top priority and millions of satisfied customers use our products every day, many of whom take the time to share their experiences with us."

Have you had any issues with EOS Lip Balm?

[Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images]