The Federal Trade Commission started mailing 10,620 refund checks totaling more than $416,000 on Friday to consumers who lost money buying two skin creams marketed by L’Occitane Inc., which falsely claimed the creams had “body slimming” capabilities.
The refunds vary based on how much of the product they bought and are being paid from money collected under a January 2014 settlement order with the company, which also agreed to stop making deceptive claims that its Almond Beautiful Shape and Almond Shaping Delight skin creams have body-slimming capabilities and are clinically proven. The online and in-store retailer of beauty and cosmetic products charged $48 for seven ounces of Almond Shaping Delight and $44 for 6.7 ounces of Almond Beautiful Shape.
The checks must be cashed by May 19, or they will become void. The FTC noted that recipients are never required to pay money or provide information before redress checks can be cashed.