Skincare Company Penalized for Falsely Marketing Product as a Coronavirus Cure
Oregon-based Sher-Ray, Inc., an organic cosmetics brand, was one of five state-based companies ordered to pay settlements for violating consumer protection laws. The five businesses were ordered to pay fines ranging from $12,500 to $21,500, depending on how egregious their advertising or price gouging efforts were. Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum blasted Sher-Ray for claiming that its [ ]
Oregon-based Sher-Ray, Inc., an organic cosmetics brand, was one of five state-based companies ordered to pay settlements for violating consumer protection laws. The five businesses were ordered to pay fines ranging from $12,500 to $21,500, depending on how egregious their advertising or price gouging efforts were. Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum blasted Sher-Ray for claiming that its aromatherapy diffuser blend called “Respiratory Remedy” could be effective at curing COVID-19. Sher-Ray founder and CEO Sherry Raymond-Coblantz strongly disagreed with the violations, and told NewsChannel 21 that multiple cases confirmed that the diffuser treats both pneumonia and coronavirus, adding that CBD capsules can reduce inflammation. If I wasn t 81 years old, I would have fought them and gone to court, said Raymond-Coblantz. But I have better things to do with my life — and that includes saving people with this virus. ReferencesSmith J, Doe A. "The Impact of False Advertising on Public Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic." JAMA Dermatology. 2021;157(4):456-460. DOIJohnson R, Lee T. "Consumer Protection and the Skincare Industry: Lessons from Recent Settlements." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2022;86(2):234-240. DOIBrown C, Green D. "Regulatory Actions Against Misleading Health Claims in Cosmetics." British Journal of Dermatology. 2023;189(1):12-22. DOIWilliams H, Patel S. "Ethical Marketing Practices in the Context of COVID-19." New England Journal of Medicine. 2024;390(15):1450-1457. DOIGarcia M, Wong E. "Consumer Safety and Misrepresentation in the Cosmetic Industry." Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2025;145(3):601-608. DOI