Essity stock faces PFAS lawsuit over Carefree panty liners

Hundreds of California residents have sued Essity and other companies over allegations that Carefree panty liners contained perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA. Manufacturing Dive, in a report republished by Yahoo, said court documents were filed on October 9, 2026, in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County.

Allegations target Carefree products

The plaintiffs accuse Essity, Edgewell and Johnson & Johnson of manufacturing and distributing Carefree-brand panty liners allegedly made with PFOA. Gelson's Markets is also named over the alleged sale of the products. The claims include alleged violations of a California law that bars the manufacture, sale and distribution of menstrual products intentionally made with PFAS.

The lawsuit cites an independent laboratory test from 2024 that allegedly found PFOA in one or more of five Carefree product layers. Plaintiffs seek compensation for alleged physical pain, emotional distress, medical expenses and other injuries. The allegations have not been established by a court.

Essity rejects intentional use

Essity spokesperson Amy Bellcourt said Carefree stands behind its products. She said the company does not intentionally add PFAS chemicals, that PFAS are not ingredients used to make the products and that the ingredients appear on the packaging. Essity plans to respond vigorously to the claims.

Essity completed its acquisition of Edgewell's North American feminine care business in February 2026, bringing Carefree into its portfolio. The lawsuit therefore places product compliance and potential litigation costs in focus while the business is being integrated, although the filing itself does not establish financial liability.

Essity stock traded at 26.39 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 10:59 CET on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The real-time quote of Essity stock is available for investors tracking the company.

Swedish equities remain part of the broader market setting reflected by the OMXS30.

Investors will watch Essity's response, the court's handling of the complaint and any evidence concerning the products. More news and analyses on Essity stock provide further company coverage.