The stated mission of Monat Global is “to help people everywhere enjoy beautiful, healthy, fulfilling lives through our exceptional, naturally based products, a fun and rewarding business opportunity, and a culture of family, service, and gratitude.”  The company’s vision “is to be a global leader in naturally based, anti-aging innovation—with an unrivaled business model that enhances the self-confidence and financial well-being of one million families around the globe each year.”Monat has reported the company made two hundred million dollars selling hair care products in 2017 using multi-level marketing tactics.  The family behind Monat has been living lives of luxury, including driving expensive cars and residing in mansions.However, those who’ve filed a class action lawsuit against Monat claim an illegal pyramid scheme is responsible for these luxuries, and the façade of having an unrivaled business model is slowly crumbling.  Three recently filed lawsuits have accused the company of fraud and deception.

Photo by Charisse Kenion on Unsplash

Members of the class action have also alleged that many consumers are witnessing less-than-desirable results from using Monat’s “natural” products.  In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in the process of reviewing no less than 187 complaints it received associated with Monat’s hair care formulas in the short span of time between August 29, 2017, and March 9, 2018.“An inherent design and/or manufacturing defect in Monat hair care products causes significant hair loss and scalp irritation to many consumers,” one lawsuit alleges.  Heather Fox, one such customer, stated, “I’m devastated with what my hair looks like right now.”  And, Monat Market Partner Erin Ostby agrees.  “I had to cut off my hair,” she said, adding, “My dad used to always say I was like Samson from the Bible – I got my power from my hair, so it was really upsetting and I couldn’t do that to someone else.”More than 500 complaints have also been filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in South Florida where Monat is based.“Any reputable lab will tell you there’s nothing in the products that would cause this kind of reaction in a large population – there just isn’t.  You can rub it in your skin, you can drink it if you like, within reason.  It’s not going to cause this kind of reaction,” Monat spokesperson Gene Grabowski retorted.  However, the company’s official response to the BBB reads, “Although Monat’s ingredients are naturally-based, safe, pure and sustainable, we understand that some may experience a reaction and should discontinue use.”The class action lawsuits state there are numerous “harsh chemicals” and “known human allergens” in Monat’s products.  In fact, one controversial ingredient the suit highlights is Capixyl – containing red clover.  WebMD warns that red clover can cause rash-like reactions, muscle ache, headache, nausea, and an increase in bleeding.  Experts believe it is also associated with reproductive issues and can cause a protein S deficiency, which affects blood clotting.  The site indicates, “There isn’t enough information to rate the safety of red clover when applied to the skin.”Grabowski addressed the fact that Monat’s products contain red clover.  He said, “Yes, there should be a warning label, but only if the amount was higher.”

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Complaints, class action lawsuits pile up against hair care company MonatPeople Say This Hair-Care Product Causes Balding And Scalp SoresRED CLOVER