If you’ve ever felt that a beauty product’s promises were too good to be true, the Crepe Erase class action lawsuit proves you weren’t alone. Thousands of customers challenged the marketing tactics of Guthy-Renker, leading to a significant legal resolution.
Whether you are checking the status of a past refund or dealing with new subscription issues in 2026, this guide explains exactly where the litigation stands and how to protect your consumer rights.
2026 Legal Alert: New “Fake Discount” Lawsuit (Roberts v. The Body Firm)
While the original $5 million settlement is well-known, a fresh class action was initiated on November 20, 2025 (Case No: 2:25-cv-11126) in the Central District of California.
This new case alleges that Crepe Erase’s parent company, The Body Firm, LLC, uses a “perpetual sale” scheme.
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The Allegations: The lawsuit claims the website displays fake “25% OFF” discounts with strike-through prices that are never actually charged.
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Urgency Tactics: The filing also highlights the use of countdown timers to create a false sense of urgency, tricking consumers into thinking a bargain is about to expire.
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The Reality: Focus has shifted from product efficacy to “Dark Patterns”—tricky website designs that trap you into unauthorized auto-billing.
What Was the Crepe Erase Lawsuit Actually About?
The heart of the original case, officially known as Burns v. Guthy-Renker, LLC (Case No. 5:19-cv-00994), targeted the “clinical proof” used in their infomercials rather than product safety.
Key Allegations:
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Exaggerated Results: Claims that the product could “erase” wrinkles were deemed deceptive and scientifically unsubstantiated.
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Proprietary Myths: The lawsuit challenged the uniqueness of the “TruFirm” complex, alleging it was marketed as a miracle ingredient.
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Subscription Traps: Many plaintiffs felt they were misled into recurring quarterly payments (often exceeding $200) that they never explicitly authorized.
The $5 Million Settlement: Who Qualified?
The court approved a $5 million fund to reimburse eligible class members who purchased products during the specified class period. While the primary claim window for the 2022 settlement has closed, individual disputes for 2025-2026 billing issues are still active.
Missed the Deadline? Your 2026 Action Plan
If the official claim window for the old settlement has passed, you can still fight recent unauthorized charges:
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Bank Chargebacks: If you were charged for a subscription you didn’t want, call your bank and request a “Chargeback” for deceptive billing.
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BBB Complaints: Guthy-Renker is active on the Better Business Bureau. Filing a complaint often triggers a “goodwill refund” to protect their rating.
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FTC Reporting: Use the FTC Fraud Report portal. This helps regulators track if the company is repeating deceptive behavior in 2026.
Official Legal References
To verify the legitimacy of these cases, visit these official repositories:
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Justia Federal Dockets: Burns v. Guthy-Renker Case Details
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ClassAction.org: The Body Firm “Fake Discount” Lawsuit (2025)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the Crepe Erase lawsuit a scam? Answer:
No, it is a legitimate court-approved class action. However, beware of third-party sites asking for fees; legitimate claims are always free to file via the official administrator.
Q2: Can I still get money in 2026? Answer:
While the 2022 settlement fund is largely processed, the new 2025 “Fake Discount” lawsuit is currently in early stages and may offer future refund opportunities for recent buyers.
Q3: What if I don’t have my receipts? Answer:
Most settlements allow “Submissions under Penalty of Perjury.” You can sign a statement swearing to your purchase even if the physical receipt is lost.
Final Thoughts
The Crepe Erase lawsuits serve as a vital reminder that “clinically proven” labels require actual science, not just marketing magic. Whether it is false advertising or “fake sales” with countdown timers, the law is increasingly siding with the consumer in 2026.
Veronica Smith is a Legal Researcher and Law Student specializing in Civil Litigation and Corporate Law. She provides expert analysis on high-profile cases, using trusted sources like Justia and PACER to simplify complex legal updates for Legalnix readers. Her mission is to make legal rights and court proceedings accessible and transparent for everyone.