The proposed settlement creates a $9 million fund for people who bought Dr. Squatch products marketed as natural. Class members who file a valid, timely claim share the fund pro rata, and claims are due November 27, 2026. The court has not yet approved the settlement.
Benefit Summary
Covered Product purchasers: People who purchased covered Dr. Squatch products in the United States from November 1, 2018 through August 29, 2026. Products must have carried natural labeling. The notice excludes current/former employees, officers, directors, agents and legal representatives of Dr. Squatch and affiliates, and their immediate families. The agreement additionally excludes resale purchases, Dr. Squatch and released parties, valid opt-outs, and the assigned judges and their immediate families.
These benefits can combine when their individual eligibility and claim requirements are met. At the base rate of $0.50 per product, claim up to five products without receipts: $2.50 for five qualifying products. The per-product rate may increase or decrease. This can be combined with the documented-purchase portion in the same household claim. At the base rate of $0.50 per product, claim up to 20 products with qualifying receipts: $10 for 20 qualifying products. The per-product rate may increase or decrease. Add up to five other products without receipts for a combined base payment of $12.50 on 25 products; this is not a guaranteed maximum.
The $9,000,000 Settlement Fund is also intended to cover approved attorneys’ fees, class counsel’s expenses and costs, service awards, and notice and settlement-administration costs. Benefits are not available unless the Court approves the settlement and it becomes final.
Available Awards
Base $2.50 + Base $10
Who Is Included
People who purchased covered Dr. Squatch products in the United States from November 1, 2018 through August 29, 2026. Products must have carried natural labeling. The notice excludes current/former employees, officers, directors, agents and legal representatives of Dr. Squatch and affiliates, and their immediate families. The agreement additionally excludes resale purchases, Dr. Squatch and released parties, valid opt-outs, and the assigned judges and their immediate families.
- Products included: Dr. Squatch products manufactured, sold, or distributed with “natural” on the label, including Men’s Natural Bar Soap, Beard Oil, Beard Oil & Cologne, Lotion, Body Wash, Cologne, Cologne Oil, Conditioner, Deodorant, Face Wash, Hand Sanitizer, Hand Soap, Lip Balm, Lotion to Powder, Post Shave, Shampoo, Shave Butter, Toothpaste, and Wipes.
- Purchase window: November 1, 2018 through August 29, 2026
- Proof required: No receipt is required for up to five products. Up to 20 additional products require qualifying point-of-purchase receipts from third-party retailers. Only one claim per household; do not count the same product twice.
Claim and Payment Information
- Claim method: Online or mail
- Claim deadline: 2026-11-27
- Instructions: Submit online by November 27, 2026 at 11:59:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, or mail the official claim form postmarked by November 27 to Dr. Squatch Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 1389, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. The portal offers options with or without a Settlement Claim ID. Report product quantities, attach receipts for the documented portion and sign the certification.
Questions & Answers
Which purchases qualify?
Covered Dr. Squatch products must have been bought in the United States from November 1, 2018 through August 29, 2026 and carried natural labeling. Examples include bar soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion and toothpaste; Exhibit C to the agreement has the full product list.
Purchases for resale do not qualify. The notice and agreement also have company-related, family, judge and opt-out exclusions, summarized above. Check those rules before claiming.
Can I combine purchases with receipts and purchases without them?
Yes. The official claim form and agreement Section 4.1.5 allow the two portions to be added in one claim: up to 20 products with qualifying receipts plus up to five other products without receipts. Do not claim the same purchase in both portions.
The base rate is $0.50 per product. For example, 20 documented products plus five undocumented products produce a base calculation of $12.50. Actual payments may be higher or lower depending on valid claims and the money available after approved deductions. The unit limits remain important; $12.50 is not a fixed maximum.
Claim form and agreement checked September 8, 2026: https://www.personalcareproductssettlement.com/court-documents/
Can each person in my home file a separate claim?
No. The agreement and claim form limit each household to one claim and one set of product limits. Household means all people living at the same physical address. Coordinate the household quantities before submitting.
What counts as proof of purchase?
The form defines proof as a point-of-purchase receipt from a third-party retailer, including a physical or online store, that reasonably establishes the purchase and its date within the covered U.S. period. A receipt supports the documented portion; it is not required for the separate five-product portion.
If you bought directly from Dr. Squatch or have a different kind of record, ask the administrator whether it qualifies before treating it as an accepted receipt. Missing proof can reduce the claim; incomplete or false submissions can be rejected. Keep copies because submitted materials will not be returned.
How do I file if I do not have a Claim ID?
The online portal explicitly offers a path for people without a Settlement Claim ID, as well as a path for people who have one. You can also use the official mail-in form. An ID is not a requirement to start the no-ID online path.
Submit online by November 27, 2026 at 11:59:59 p.m. PST, or mail the signed form postmarked by November 27 to Dr. Squatch Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 1389, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. Include your contact information, quantities and receipts for the documented portion. Keep your submission confirmation or mailing record.
Portal checked September 8, 2026: https://personalcareproductssettlement.pnclassaction.com/
When will I be paid, and what comes out of the $9 million fund?
There is no definite payment date. Payments require final approval and an effective settlement. The fund also pays approved legal fees of up to $3 million, litigation expenses up to $50,000, total representative awards up to $40,000, and administration costs estimated at $475,000.
Keep your contact details current with the administrator at [email protected] or 1-855-706-1956. That email is a contact and opt-out channel; the claim instructions provide online or mailed filing.
How do I opt out, and why do the instructions differ?
The deadline is October 13, 2026. The official opt-out form permits email to [email protected] or mail postmarked by that date to the administrator at P.O. Box 1389, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. Complete your contact details and personally sign; the form asks for a Claim ID only if known.
Notice Question 12 also says to provide the request to class counsel and defense counsel, while the posted opt-out form directs it only to the administrator. Those instructions differ. Ask the administrator about any required counsel copies and delivery details before relying on the form alone. Sources checked September 8, 2026: https://www.personalcareproductssettlement.com/court-documents/
Opting out means no settlement payment, while preserving any rights you have to pursue the released issues separately.
Can I object and still request a payment?
Yes, if you remain in the class and submit a separate valid claim. Mail an objection to the administrator by October 13, 2026. Notice Question 13 requires the case information, your contact details, reasons, information showing class membership, your signature and any attorney information and signature required there.
An objection is not an opt-out or a claim. If the settlement becomes final, class members who object remain bound.
Do I need to attend the hearing, and what rights are released?
The hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2027 at 10 a.m. Pacific in Department 11, Los Angeles County Superior Court, 312 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Attendance is optional; check the official site for changes. The notice explains how an objector or their lawyer may ask to speak.
Doing nothing provides no payment and leaves eligible class members bound by the release if the settlement becomes final. The release concerns the covered natural-labeling claims. The notice expressly says personal-injury and product-liability claims relating to the products are not included.
Other Important Dates
- Exclusion deadline: 2026-10-13
- Objection deadline: 2026-10-13
- Final approval hearing: March 2, 2027, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time
- Hearing location: Department 11 of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, 312 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, California 90012
Case Details
- Total settlement fund: $9,000,000
- Case name: Victor Guzman, Perry Bruno, Lauren Fleming, David Plowden, Karen Betzag, and Jaime Napolitano individually, and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. Dr. Squatch, LLC
- Case number: 25STCV03523
- Court: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
- Administrator: Dr. Squatch Settlement Administrator
- Official Settlement Website: https://www.personalcareproductssettlement.com/
Sources
Claim form, FAQ, deadlines, administrator information
Court-approved notice describing eligibility and benefits