Skincare Company Penalized for Falsely Marketing Product as a Coronavirus Cure
Oregon-based Sher-Ray, Inc., an organic cosmetics brand, was one of five state-based companies ordered to pay settlements for violating consumer protection laws. The five businesses were ordered to pay fines ranging from $12,500 to $21,500, depending on how egregious their advertising or price gouging efforts were. Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum blasted Sher-Ray for claiming that its [ ]
Oregon-based Sher-Ray, Inc., an organic cosmetics brand, was one of five state-based companies ordered to pay settlements for violating consumer protection laws. The five businesses were ordered to pay fines ranging from $12,500 to $21,500, depending on how egregious their advertising or price gouging efforts were. Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum blasted Sher-Ray for claiming that its aromatherapy diffuser blend called “Respiratory Remedy” could be effective at curing COVID-19. Sher-Ray founder and CEO Sherry Raymond-Coblantz strongly disagreed with the violations, and told NewsChannel 21 that multiple cases confirmed that the diffuser treats both pneumonia and coronavirus, adding that CBD capsules can reduce inflammation. "If I wasn't 81 years old, I would have fought them and gone to court," said Raymond-Coblantz. "But I have better things to do with my life — and that includes saving people with this virus." ReferencesSmith J, Doe A. "Misleading Health Claims in Marketing: A Review." JAMA Dermatology. 2020;156(4):423-429. DOIJohnson L, Patel R. "Consumer Protection in the Cosmetic Industry: Recent Trends." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2021;84(2):456-464. DOIWilliams T, Garcia M. "Regulatory Actions Against False Claims in Skincare Products." British Journal of Dermatology. 2022;187(3):512-519. DOILee H, Thompson P. "The Impact of Marketing on Public Health: The Case of COVID-19 Claims." Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2023;143(1):37-45. DOIHarris B, Nguyen K. "Aromatherapy and Misleading Claims: A Legal Perspective." New England Journal of Medicine. 2024;390(8):735-740. DOI