Several lawsuits have been filed against Hello Products LLC (maker of Hello toothpaste), alleging misleading marketing, ingredient misrepresentation, and — in some cases — health risks. Key claims include:
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False advertising about “no artificial sweeteners.” One lawsuit, Flaherty v. Hello Products LLC, filed in 2023, argues Hello labeled some toothpastes as containing “no artificial sweeteners,” yet they actually included synthetically derived sweeteners (e.g. sorbitol, xylitol
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Heavy‑metal contamination allegations. A more recent lawsuit, Browne v. Hello Products LLC, filed in 2025, claims that certain Hello “Kids” toothpastes — like “Dragon Dazzle” or “Fresh Watermelon” — contain dangerous levels of lead and mercury, potentially far exceeding safe limits.
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Misleading “natural” and “safe” marketing. Some lawsuits also challenge Hello’s broader positioning — its “natural,” kid‑friendly packaging and flavors (bubble gum, watermelon, bright colors) are accused of giving a false impression of safety or suitability for children, when in reality the products may carry risks (fluoride ingestion, heavy metals, enamel damage).
⚠️ Key Allegations & Risks
Here are the main concerns raised against Hello:
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Ingredient misrepresentation — claiming “no artificial sweeteners” while using sugar alcohols like xylitol or sorbitol, which plaintiffs say are artificially derived.
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Potential heavy‑metal contamination — lab tests referenced in the lawsuit found high levels of lead and mercury in some children’s toothpastes by Hello, raising serious health concerns especially for kids.
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Misleading marketing toward children — packaging and flavors that resemble candy or toys, possibly encouraging children to swallow toothpaste rather than spit it out. This is criticized as irresponsible, especially for fluoride‑containing or potentially contaminated products.
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False efficacy/safety claims — in past lawsuits (e.g. about charcoal toothpastes), Hello was accused of overstating whitening or “detox” benefits while downplaying enamel damage risk.
📅 Some Notable Legal Actions & History
| Year / Case | What It Targeted / Alleged |
|---|---|
| 2019 — charcoal‑paste lawsuit Patellos v. Hello Products LLC | Claimed Hello’s charcoal toothpastes were deceptively marketed as safe and effective for whitening, while actually posing enamel‑erosion risks. Settled for ≈ US$1.5 million |
| 2023 — “no artificial sweeteners” lawsuit (Flaherty v. Hello Products LLC) | Alleged false labeling: products claimed “no artificial sweeteners” despite containing synthetic sugar alcohols. |
| 2025 — heavy‑metals lawsuit (Browne v. Hello Products LLC) | Claims that some Hello Kids toothpastes contain dangerously high levels of lead and mercury, without warning consumers. |
🤔 What’s the Company’s Response & Current Status
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For the artificial‑sweetener lawsuit: Hello (via its parent company) has filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the claims are speculative and that their labeling complies with applicable standards.
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As of now, no publicly confirmed major recalls beyond a few isolated past labeling‑related recalls.
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The heavy‑metal contamination allegations are recent and still under litigation; no definitive public verdict or settlement has been widely reported.
✅ Summary — What to Know If You Use or Consider Using Hello Toothpaste
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The lawsuits raise serious questions about safety, labeling honesty, and whether Hello’s “natural,” “kid‑friendly” marketing is misleading.
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Even trusted or popular “natural” brands can be subject to lawsuits if their marketing or ingredient composition is considered misleading or unsafe.
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For households with children — or people sensitive to heavy metals or artificial additives — the allegations may warrant caution.
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If you want, I can check latest (2025) regulatory status of Hello toothpaste — whether any recalls or safety warnings have been issued. Would you like me to fetch that for you?
