A controversial cosmetics company that got an FDA warning is in danger of losing its customers
Lime Crime, a controversial independent makeup company known for its bright hues, might be in trouble.
A recent expose by Racked's Arabelle Sicardi, outlines some of the company's problems — from the FDA warning to threats of a class-action lawsuit over a data breach to allegations that it repackages wholesale pigments and marks up the price.
The brand was founded by Doe Deere (whose real name is Xenia Vorotov), and at one time was owned by Sephora.
Deere reportedly has threatened to sue bloggers who wrote negative reviews of her makeup, according to Racked.
But now, many customers are boycotting the brand after the FDA issued a warning about its products in July.
A petition even emerged to boycott Lime Crime at makeup conference IMATS NYC.
The FDA notice accuses the brand of utilizing ferric ferrocyanide and ultramarines in the Velvetines lip stain; those ingredients violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
FDA Press officer Megan McSeveney told Refinery29 the FDA did not test for the products, but "they were listed as ingredients in product labeling. If they do not contain these ingredients, the products are misbranded and therefore also prohibited in interstate commerce."
McSeveney told Refinery29 that the FDA began investigating the product after receiving not one — but six — complaints in a two-month period.
Are these ingredients all that bad? Not necessarily. Racked's Sicardi says a cosmetic expert told her they weren't bad for you — they just simply didn't have the FDA's green light.
Additionally, Refinery29 reported the ingredients have been approved to be used externally in the US (ie: on your face and on your eyelids), just not on your lips. This, however, is not the case in Europe and Japan, where the ingredients are fine to use.
But in Reddit community Makeup Addiction, makeup addicts — including bloggers — have said they avoid Lime Crime on purpose.
"For me, I do avoid Lime Crime like others. A few years ago I bought a lip product from a different retailer, but I haven't and will not buy anything else in light of new controversy," one user wrote.
A photo posted by Lime Crime (@limecrimemakeup) on Sep 25, 2015 at 11:50am PDT on Sep 25, 2015 at 11:50am PDT
A photo posted by Lime Crime (@limecrimemakeup) on Sep 28, 2015 at 7:30am PDT on Sep 28, 2015 at 7:30am PDT
Twitter has no shortage of people who refuse to shop there — particularly in light of the recent FDA controversy.
lime crime is super sketchy and now it's toxic????? fuck that company.
— rastafariantargaryen (@lintendocore) September 25, 2015
I've wanted to buy from lime crime for so long but they've always been such a problematic company and I'm too afraid to
— skeletonbaby☁️ (@sasspr1ncess) September 25, 2015
People still buying Lime Crime from that scam artist?
— Ming Lee✨ (@goddessbase) September 25, 2015
@aaliyahjadeee @lexcuseu careful with lime crime, ladies, the FDA released a warning that they might be using unsafe ingredients
— CP (@cinnnnnnn_) October 1, 2015
Dont buy from limecrime they are unsafe to use!If the credit card/fraud mishap didn't change your mind hope this does http://t.co/vDgOfvjsEg
— Tinai (@hxppycxmpr) August 16, 2015
LimeCrime velvetines have a chemical in it that's unsafe for you and can lead to severe harm to you plus their not FDA approved
— Tinai (@hxppycxmpr) August 16, 2015
Meanwhile, Lime Crime has posted a response to the controversy on its website, stating these ingredients were not in the makeup, and that the company was working with the FDA to resolve the claims.
We've reached out to Lime Crime for comment and will update if we hear back.
NOW WATCH: How Gisele Bündchen became the highest-paid supermodel in the world
More From Business Insider