Hello Toothpaste Lawsuit: 2026 Settlement Guide, Claim Deadlines & What Parents Need to Know

Multiple class action lawsuits have been filed against Hello Products LLC over concerns about their toothpastes and mouthwashes marketed to children. The lawsuits claim Hello misled consumers about product safety and ingredients, including allegations of heavy metal contamination, misleading fluoride warnings, and false advertising about artificial sweeteners. One lawsuit already settled for $1.5 million, while several others remain pending in 2026. hawthorne residential partners lawsuit

Quick Answer: Hello Products faces multiple ongoing lawsuits in 2026, including cases over lead and mercury contamination in kids’ toothpaste, misleading marketing of fluoride rinse for children under 6, and false “no artificial sweeteners” claims. The earlier charcoal toothpaste settlement deadline has passed (October 11, 2022), but new cases filed in 2025 are still active and may result in future settlements. AFFF Lawsuit

What Are the Hello Toothpaste Lawsuits About?

Hello Products LLC, owned by Colgate-Palmolive since 2020, markets itself as a “naturally friendly” oral care brand. Parents bought these products believing they were safer alternatives to traditional toothpastes. But multiple lawsuits now claim Hello’s marketing didn’t match reality.

The lawsuits fall into several categories: heavy metal contamination (lead and mercury), misleading fluoride product marketing, false advertising about artificial sweeteners, and deceptive claims about charcoal toothpaste benefits.

A closely related topic: Temu Class Action Lawsuit: 2026 Claim Form and Settlement

Background of the Lawsuits

Hello built its brand on being different from big corporate toothpaste companies. The packaging is colorful and fun. The flavors have names like “Unicorn Sparkle,” “Dragon Dazzle,” and “Wild Strawberry.” Marketing emphasizes “natural,” “friendly,” and “safe” ingredients.

But parents started noticing problems. Some kids were swallowing fluoride products that tasted like candy. Independent testing revealed heavy metals in children’s toothpastes. Consumer advocates questioned whether charcoal actually whitened teeth or just damaged enamel.

These concerns led to multiple class action lawsuits starting in 2019 and continuing through 2025-2026.

Timeline of Key Events

Table: Hello Toothpaste Lawsuit Timeline

Who Filed These Lawsuits?

Different plaintiffs filed separate lawsuits:

Settled Cases:

• Patellos v. Hello Products – Consumers who purchased charcoal toothpaste
• Represented by Federman & Sherwood and Pastor Law Office, LLP

Pending Cases:

• Miller et al. v. Hello Products – Parents who bought Hello Kids Fluoride Rinse for preschoolers
• Flaherty v. Hello Products – Consumer alleging false “no artificial sweeteners” claims
• Browne v. Hello Products – New York consumers who purchased Hello Kids toothpastes with alleged heavy metals
• Barton v. Colgate-Palmolive – California parents who bought Hello Kids toothpaste varieties
• Represented by various law firms including Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC

What Are the Allegations?

The lawsuits make several different claims against Hello Products:

Charcoal Toothpaste Allegations (SETTLED):

• False advertising about activated charcoal whitening benefits
• No scientific evidence charcoal whitens teeth
• Charcoal may actually damage tooth enamel
• American Dental Association found insufficient evidence for safety and effectiveness claims

Heavy Metals Allegations (PENDING):

• Hello Kids toothpastes contain dangerous levels of lead and mercury
• Fresh Watermelon flavor: 493 ppb lead (32x EPA limit), 19 ppb mercury (9x EPA limit)
• Dragon Dazzle flavor: 428.4 ppb lead, 11.8 ppb mercury
• Other flavors tested: 236-658 ppb lead
• EPA maximum contaminant levels: 15 ppb lead, 2 ppb mercury
• Failed to warn consumers about contamination risks
• Marketed products as “safe,” “friendly,” and “good-for-you” despite knowing about heavy metals

Fluoride Rinse Allegations (PENDING):

• Hello Kids Fluoride Rinse marketed to children under 6
• FDA and American Dental Association warn against fluoride mouthwash for kids under 6
• Product contains same fluoride concentration as adult formulas
• Candy-like flavors increase risk of children swallowing product
• Single 10 mL dose contains 2.3 mg fluoride – enough to cause acute poisoning in toddlers
• Risk of fluoride toxicity (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain)
• Risk of dental fluorosis (permanent tooth enamel damage)
• Potential long-term neurodevelopmental impacts

Artificial Sweeteners Allegations (PENDING):

• Products claim “no artificial sweeteners”
• Actually contain sorbitol and xylitol
• Sorbitol and xylitol are synthetic sweeteners created through chemical hydrogenation
• Misleads consumers seeking products free from artificial ingredients
• Violates Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act

Who Qualifies for the Hello Toothpaste Lawsuits?

Eligibility depends on which lawsuit you’re asking about. The charcoal toothpaste settlement is closed, but other cases are still pending.

Quick Answer: The charcoal toothpaste settlement deadline has passed. For pending lawsuits (heavy metals, fluoride rinse, artificial sweeteners), class certification hasn’t happened yet. If you purchased affected Hello products, you’ll automatically be included if these cases settle. No action needed right now.

Eligibility for Settled Charcoal Toothpaste Case

Table: Charcoal Toothpaste Settlement Eligibility (CLOSED)

This settlement is CLOSED. You can no longer file claims for the charcoal toothpaste lawsuit.

Eligibility for Pending Heavy Metals Lawsuits

Table: Heavy Metals Lawsuits Eligibility Checklist

If you purchased any of these Hello Kids toothpaste flavors, you may be part of the class if these lawsuits are certified and reach settlement.

Eligibility for Fluoride Rinse Lawsuit

Table: Fluoride Rinse Lawsuit Eligibility

Eligibility for Artificial Sweeteners Lawsuit

Table: Artificial Sweeteners Lawsuit Eligibility

Who Does NOT Qualify?

You are NOT eligible for any current claims if:

• You only purchased Hello toothpastes that don’t fall into the categories above
• You purchased charcoal toothpaste but missed the October 11, 2022 deadline
• You’re an employee, officer, or family member of Hello Products or Colgate-Palmolive
• You’re affiliated with the law firms representing either side
• You’re part of the judiciary overseeing these cases

How to Prove Your Claim (When Settlements Happen)

Table: Documentation You May Need for Future Claims

Note: The charcoal settlement allowed claims without proof for up to 5 products. Future settlements may or may not have similar provisions.

Current Status of Hello Toothpaste Lawsuits (February 2026)

Table: Hello Lawsuits Status Overview

Recent Developments (2025-2026)

As of February 2026, here’s where each case stands:

Charcoal Toothpaste Settlement: Fully resolved. Hello paid $1.5 million. Claim period closed October 11, 2022. Payments have been distributed.

Artificial Sweeteners Lawsuit: Hello filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. Oral arguments took place in October 2024. The court is still deciding whether to dismiss the case or let it proceed. No settlement discussions reported.

Fluoride Rinse Lawsuit: Filed in January 2025, this case is in the discovery phase. Plaintiffs are gathering evidence about Hello’s marketing practices and internal knowledge of fluoride risks to young children. Class certification has not been requested yet.

Heavy Metals Lawsuits: Both New York and California cases were filed in mid-to-late 2025. These are in very early stages. The lawsuits cite independent testing by consumer safety organization Lead Safe Mama showing lead levels 15-43 times higher than EPA limits and mercury levels 5-9 times higher than EPA limits.

What Happens Next?

For the pending lawsuits, here’s the typical timeline:

Estimated Timeline for Pending Cases:

1. Motion Practice (Current – Mid 2026): Defendants may file motions to dismiss. Courts decide if cases can proceed.
2. Class Certification (Mid-Late 2026): If cases survive dismissal motions, plaintiffs will ask courts to certify the cases as class actions.
3. Discovery (2026-2027): Both sides exchange documents, take depositions, gather evidence.
4. Settlement Negotiations or Trial (2027-2028): Cases either settle or go to trial. Most class actions settle.
5. Claim Period (If settled, 2027-2028): Settlement website launches, class members have 60-180 days to file claims.
6. Payment Distribution (If settled, 2028-2029): Checks or credits issued 3-6 months after final approval.

Federal class actions often take 2-4 years from filing to settlement. Some take longer if they go to trial or face appeals.

How Much Money Can You Get from Future Settlements?

No settlements have been reached for the pending lawsuits. Based on similar cases, here’s what might happen. Mary Ruth Organics Lawsuit

Quick Answer: If you purchased Hello Kids toothpaste with heavy metals or fluoride rinse products, potential future payouts could range from $5-$50 per product for false advertising claims, $100-$1,000 if you can prove minor harm (dental issues, mild fluoride toxicity), or $5,000+ if you can prove serious injury (lead poisoning, severe fluoride toxicity). The charcoal settlement paid about $6 per product.

Charcoal Toothpaste Settlement Amount (Reference)

Table: Charcoal Toothpaste Settlement (COMPLETED)

Estimated Payouts for Pending Cases

Table: Potential Payout Ranges (If Settled)

Important: These are estimates based on similar consumer class actions. Actual amounts depend on:

• How much Hello agrees to pay (if they settle)
• How many people file claims
• What proof you can provide
• Whether you suffered actual harm

Factors That Affect Your Payout

Your compensation in a potential future settlement depends on:

1. Type of Claim: Simple product purchase claims typically get small refunds. Injury claims get larger amounts but require medical proof.

2. Proof of Purchase: With receipts or bank statements, you can usually claim more products. Without proof, limits may apply (like the 5-product cap in the charcoal case).

3. Number of Claimants: Settlement funds are divided among all approved claims. More claimants = smaller individual payouts.

4. Medical Documentation: If claiming injury from lead/mercury exposure or fluoride toxicity, you’ll need:

• Blood test results showing elevated lead or mercury levels
• Medical records documenting fluoride ingestion or toxicity
• Doctor’s notes linking symptoms to toothpaste use
• Dental records showing fluorosis or enamel damage

5. Severity of Harm: Courts award more for serious injuries. A child diagnosed with lead poisoning would receive more than someone claiming false advertising.

When Will Payments Happen? (If Cases Settle)

Table: Estimated Payment Timeline for Pending Cases

Reality check: If you’re waiting for money from these lawsuits, don’t hold your breath. It’ll be years, not months.

How to Prepare for Future Claim Filing

Since there’s no active claim process yet for pending lawsuits, here’s what to do now:

Step 1: Save Your Documentation

If you bought any of these products, keep:

• Receipts or order confirmations
• Bank or credit card statements showing purchases
• Product packaging or photos of the product
• Any records of where and when you purchased it

Step 2: Document Any Health Issues

If your child experienced any problems that might be related:

• Get medical records documenting symptoms
• Request blood tests for lead and mercury levels
• Get dental exams to check for fluorosis
• Keep notes about symptoms and timeline
• Photograph any visible tooth discoloration

Step 3: Sign Up for Notifications

You don’t need to actively “join” a class action when it’s first filed. If the cases are certified and settle, you’ll automatically be included if you meet the criteria.

If you are curious, also see 23andMe Data Breach Lawsuit and Settlement: 2026 Guide

To stay informed:

• Check court docket websites periodically
• Follow class action lawsuit websites
• Sign up for email alerts on legal news sites
• Contact [email protected] for attorney referrals if you have questions

Step 4: Wait for Official Notice

If these cases reach settlement:

• Courts require class members to be notified by mail, email, or publication
• A settlement website will be created with claim forms
• You’ll have 60-180 days to file after notice goes out

Step 5: Don’t Fall for Scams

Be wary of:

• Anyone asking you to pay to join a class action (it’s free)
• Websites asking for banking information before a settlement is announced
• “Lawyers” promising guaranteed payouts
• Pressure to act immediately when no official deadline exists

Do You Need a Lawyer to File a Claim?

Quick Answer: No, you do NOT need a lawyer to file a claim in a class action settlement. When settlements happen, the process is designed for people to file claims directly. However, if you have a significant injury claim (like documented lead poisoning), consulting a lawyer about an individual lawsuit might make sense.

Filing Without a Lawyer

Class action settlements are built for self-filing:

• Settlement websites provide simple claim forms
• Step-by-step instructions guide you through the process
• No legal expertise required
• No cost to participate
• Administrator handles all processing

For small consumer claims ($5-$50), a lawyer doesn’t make sense. The payout is too small to justify legal fees.

When Legal Help Might Be Useful

Consider consulting an attorney if:

You have significant injury: If your child was diagnosed with lead poisoning, severe fluoride toxicity, or other serious health issues potentially linked to Hello products, you might have an individual lawsuit worth pursuing separately.

You have documentation challenges: An attorney can help gather medical records, expert opinions, and other evidence if your situation is complex.

You’re considering opting out: Class action settlements let you opt out and file your own lawsuit. An attorney can advise if this makes sense for your situation.

Your damages are substantial: Individual claims for serious harm can be worth more than class action payouts, but you need a lawyer to pursue them.

Free Legal Consultation

If you have questions about Hello toothpaste lawsuits or believe your child suffered harm:

Law Firms Handling These Cases:

• Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC (Heavy metals cases)
• Federman & Sherwood (Settled charcoal case)
• Pastor Law Office, LLP (Settled charcoal case)

For Attorney Referrals: Email: [email protected]

Most class action attorneys offer free consultations for potential injury claims. They only get paid if you win (contingency fee basis).

Hello Toothpaste Lawsuits vs Similar Cases

How do these lawsuits compare to other oral care class actions?

Comparison with Similar Lawsuits

Table: Oral Care Class Action Lawsuit Comparison

What Makes Hello Lawsuits Different?

Focus on Children’s Products: Unlike many toothpaste lawsuits, Hello cases specifically target products marketed to kids with fun flavors and packaging.

Multiple Legal Theories: Hello faces claims for heavy metals (product contamination), false advertising (artificial sweeteners), and inadequate warnings (fluoride risks).

Company Ownership: Hello is owned by Colgate-Palmolive (since 2020), a major corporation with deep pockets for settlements.

“Natural” Marketing Claims: Hello built its brand on being different from traditional toothpaste companies, making the allegations of misleading consumers especially damaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Hello toothpaste lawsuits?

Quick Answer: Multiple class action lawsuits claim Hello Products misled consumers about the safety and ingredients of toothpastes and mouthwashes. Cases include heavy metal contamination (lead and mercury in kids’ toothpaste), misleading fluoride rinse marketing, and false “no artificial sweeteners” claims. One charcoal toothpaste case settled for $1.5 million (claim deadline passed), while several others filed in 2025 remain pending.

The lawsuits argue Hello violated consumer protection laws by failing to warn about health risks, making false advertising claims, and selling products that don’t match their marketing.

Which Hello toothpaste products are involved in the lawsuits?

Quick Answer: Different products are involved in different lawsuits: (1) Charcoal toothpastes (settled case), (2) Hello Kids varieties including Dragon Dazzle, Fresh Watermelon, Unicorn Sparkle, Smiling Shark, Magical Mermaid, and Wild Strawberry (heavy metals cases), (3) Hello Kids Fluoride Rinse in Wild Strawberry and Unicorn Splash flavors (fluoride lawsuit), and (4) Various toothpastes labeled “no artificial sweeteners” (false advertising case).

If you’re not sure whether your Hello product is involved, keep documentation just in case the lawsuits expand or new ones are filed.

Can I still file a claim for the charcoal toothpaste settlement?

Quick Answer: No. The deadline to file claims for the Hello charcoal toothpaste settlement was October 11, 2022. That claim period is closed and you cannot file anymore.

The settlement has been finalized and payments have been distributed to people who filed before the deadline.

Are there any open Hello toothpaste settlements I can file for right now?

Quick Answer: No, there are no open claim periods as of February 2026. The pending lawsuits (heavy metals, fluoride rinse, artificial sweeteners) have not reached settlement yet. If they settle in the future, claim periods will open and class members will be notified.

Keep documentation of your Hello product purchases in case these lawsuits settle. You’ll automatically be included if you meet the criteria and can file when claim periods open.

How much money will I get from a Hello toothpaste lawsuit?

Quick Answer: For pending lawsuits, no settlement amounts have been determined yet. The past charcoal settlement paid about $6 per product. Future settlements (if they happen) could range from $5-$50 per product for simple false advertising claims, $100-$1,000 for documented minor harm, or $5,000+ for serious injuries like lead poisoning if you have medical proof.

The amount depends on what Hello agrees to pay, how many people file claims, and whether you can prove actual harm beyond just buying the product.

Do I need receipts to file a claim?

Quick Answer: It depends on the settlement. The charcoal toothpaste settlement allowed claims for up to 5 products without receipts, or up to 10 products with proof of purchase. Future settlements may have similar structures, but requirements haven’t been set yet since those cases haven’t settled.

Keep any receipts, bank statements, or other purchase proof you have. Even if not required, proof usually lets you claim more products or higher amounts.

Along the same lines: SeaWorld Class Action Settlement 2026: What You’re Owed

My child has high lead levels – is this from Hello toothpaste?

Quick Answer: Possibly, but lead exposure comes from many sources including old paint, contaminated water, soil, and other products. If your child uses Hello Kids toothpaste and has elevated lead levels, document everything: blood test results, which Hello product flavors you used, purchase dates, and medical records. Consult both a doctor about the lead exposure and a lawyer about your legal options.

The lawsuits claim some Hello Kids varieties have lead levels 15-43 times higher than EPA limits for drinking water, but individual exposure varies.

Is Hello toothpaste safe to use?

Quick Answer: Hello Products maintains their products are safe and deny the allegations in these lawsuits. However, if you’re concerned about heavy metals, fluoride risks, or other issues raised in the lawsuits, you might want to choose a different toothpaste brand. There has been no official recall of Hello products by the FDA or company.

Parents of young children should be especially cautious with fluoride products. The FDA and American Dental Association recommend against fluoride mouthwash for kids under 6.

Has Hello toothpaste been recalled?

Quick Answer: No, there has been no official recall of Hello toothpaste products. Despite the lawsuits and allegations, Hello Products has not issued a recall and the FDA has not ordered one. The lawsuits are civil cases about misleading consumers and false advertising, not criminal actions or regulatory enforcement.

A recall could happen in the future if regulators get involved or if settlement terms require it.

What should I do if I already threw away my Hello toothpaste?

Quick Answer: You can still potentially file claims in future settlements even without the product. In past class actions, claim forms asked when and where you purchased products and allowed claims based on attestation (swearing under penalty of perjury that you bought them). Save any receipts, bank statements, or purchase records you have.

The charcoal settlement allowed claims without physical proof, and future settlements may too.

When is the deadline to file a claim?

Quick Answer: For the charcoal toothpaste settlement, the deadline was October 11, 2022 (passed). For pending lawsuits (heavy metals, fluoride rinse, artificial sweeteners), there are no deadlines yet because these cases haven’t settled. If settlements are reached, claim periods typically last 60-180 days from when notice is sent to class members.

You don’t need to do anything now except save documentation. You’ll be notified if these cases settle and when claim periods open.

How do I check the status of my claim?

Quick Answer: For the charcoal settlement that already closed, you can contact the settlement administrator (though the case is likely fully resolved). For pending lawsuits that haven’t settled yet, there’s no claim status to check because no claims have been filed. If future settlements happen, settlement websites will include claim tracking tools.

As of February 2026, just monitor legal news websites and the court dockets for these pending cases.

Will I get a check or account credit?

Quick Answer: Payment methods vary by settlement. The charcoal settlement paid by check. Future settlements could use checks, direct deposit, PayPal, Venmo, prepaid cards, or product vouchers – it depends on what’s negotiated. You usually get to choose your preferred payment method on the claim form.

Account credits to stores where you bought the product are less common in false advertising settlements, but possible.

Do I have to give up my right to sue separately?

Quick Answer: Yes, if you participate in a class action settlement, you typically give up your right to sue individually about the same claims. This is called releasing your claims. However, class actions allow you to “opt out” before the deadline, preserving your right to file your own lawsuit. Opting out makes sense only if you have significant individual damages worth pursuing separately.

For small consumer claims, the class action is usually your best option. For serious injury claims, consult a lawyer about opting out.

What if I missed the charcoal toothpaste deadline?

Quick Answer: If you missed the October 11, 2022 deadline for the charcoal settlement, you cannot file now. That claim period is permanently closed. However, if you also purchased other Hello products involved in pending lawsuits (kids’ toothpastes with alleged heavy metals, fluoride rinse, or products claiming no artificial sweeteners), you may still be able to participate in those cases if they settle.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to reopen a closed settlement claim period.

Can I file a claim if I bought Hello toothpaste for my kids but they didn’t get sick?

Quick Answer: Yes, in most false advertising class actions, you don’t need to prove injury – just that you bought the product and were misled. The charcoal settlement paid claims from anyone who purchased charcoal toothpaste, regardless of whether they suffered harm. Future settlements for the heavy metals and fluoride cases will likely follow similar structures, paying for product purchases even without injury.

Injury claims (with medical proof) typically receive higher payouts, but purchase-only claims still get something.

Where can I find the official claim form?

Quick Answer: For the charcoal settlement (closed), the official website was www.charcoaltoothpastesettlement.com (no longer accepting claims). For pending lawsuits, official claim forms don’t exist yet because the cases haven’t settled. When settlements are reached, courts approve official settlement websites where claim forms are posted.

Beware of scam websites. Always verify you’re using the official settlement website approved by the court.

How long does it take to receive payment?

Quick Answer: Class action payments typically arrive 3-6 months after final court approval and the end of any appeal period. The total time from settlement announcement to payment is usually 8-12 months. For the charcoal settlement (2023), payments went out in 2023-2024. For pending cases that haven’t settled, payments are years away – likely 2027-2028 at the earliest.

Patience is required. Class action settlements move slowly through the legal system.

What does “no artificial sweeteners” actually mean?

Quick Answer: That’s the core question in the Flaherty lawsuit. Hello claims “no artificial sweeteners” on some products, but the lawsuit says sorbitol and xylitol are synthetic (artificially made) sweeteners created through chemical hydrogenation. Hello argues these are “naturally derived” even though they’re chemically processed. The court hasn’t decided yet whether Hello’s claim is misleading.

This is why labeling lawsuits are complicated – it often comes down to how consumers interpret marketing terms.

Are other toothpaste brands being sued too?

Quick Answer: Yes, multiple toothpaste brands face lawsuits. Tom’s of Maine has a pending class action over alleged lead and arsenic in kids’ toothpaste (filed 2025). In the past, Colgate Total, Sensodyne, and other brands have faced false advertising suits. The oral care industry has seen increased scrutiny over heavy metals, natural claims, and whitening effectiveness.

This is part of a broader trend of consumers challenging “natural” and “safe” marketing claims through class action lawsuits.

I live outside the US – can I file a claim?

Quick Answer: Probably not. The Hello lawsuits filed so far limit the class to U.S. residents. The charcoal settlement specifically required U.S. residency. State-level cases (like the California and Illinois lawsuits) may limit the class even further to residents of those states. If you purchased Hello products outside the U.S., you likely don’t qualify for these settlements.

International consumers would need to pursue claims under their own country’s laws. Crepe Erase Lawsuit

Should I stop using Hello toothpaste?

Quick Answer: That’s a personal decision. Hello maintains their products are safe and comply with regulations. The lawsuits are allegations, not proven facts. However, if you’re concerned about the claims (heavy metals, fluoride risks for young kids, ingredients), you might want to switch brands. For children under 6, many dentists recommend avoiding fluoride mouthwash regardless of brand, per FDA and ADA guidance.

Talk to your dentist about what toothpaste is appropriate for your family.

Need Legal Help?

If you have questions about Hello toothpaste lawsuits or believe your child suffered harm from these products, contact qualified attorneys for a free consultation.

Email for attorney referrals: [email protected]

For updates on class action lawsuits and settlements, keep checking legal news websites. These cases are still developing, and new information emerges regularly.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Hello toothpaste lawsuits and is not legal advice. Laws and case status change frequently. Consult an attorney for advice specific to your situation. This website is not affiliated with Hello Products LLC, Colgate-Palmolive, or any law firm involved in these cases.

On a related note, check out CNN Defamation Lawsuits 2026: Claims, Courts, and Rights