InstagramJessica Alba is speaking out about a $5 million lawsuit filed against her Honest Company, saying that allegations of mislabeling several of its eco-friendly home products are "baseless and without merit."
She also says her two daughters are "growing up in a safer home" because of the firm's items.
The plaintiff, Jonathan D. Rubin, alleged in his suit that the film "deceptively and misleadingly labeled and marketed" several of its products, such as dish soap and diapers, saying they were marketed as having only natural ingredients but actually contain "unnatural" ingredients.
Alba co-founded The Honest Company, which offers products such as diapers and soaps, and owns between 15 and 20 percent of the firm, which is valued to be worth $1 billion. She was inspired to start the venture after having difficulties finding eco-friendly items for her eldest child, Honor, 7, following her birth in 2008. She and husband Cash Warren, 36, are also parents to daughter Haven, 4.
"Seven years ago, when I was pregnant with my first daughter, I was frustrated by the lack of healthy and safe product options for me and my new family," Alba, 34, said in a statement posted by Business Insider and Pret-a-Reporter. "I started The Honest Company to develop safe and effective products not just for my children, but for families everywhere. I am very proud that we have built this company into an industry leader focused on using natural ingredients and developing products that people love."
"We believe that consumers deserve to know what's in their products—whether it's diapers for their children, cleaning products for their families or beauty products for themselves," she said. "Our formulations are made with integrity and strict standards of safety, and we label each ingredient that goes into every product—not because we have to, but because it's the right thing to do."
"The allegations against us are baseless and without merit. We strongly stand behind our products and the responsibility we have to our consumers. We are steadfast in our commitment to transparency and openness."
"I know my children, Honor and Haven, are growing up in a safer home because of our products," she said.
The Honest Company had also faced controversy in July when many people complained their children got sunburned badly despite using the brand's SPF 30 sunscreen. The firm responded that the product is "effective and safe for use as an 80 minute water-resistant (FDA's highest rating), SPF 30 sunscreen lotion in accordance with FDA regulations when used as directed."