Mielle Organics, a brand that began in 2014 with a mission to provide high-quality, natural hair care products for Black women, has recently been at the center of significant discussions regarding its ownership, product formulations, and community impact. Let’s delve into the current status of Mielle Organics, addressing key questions about its ownership, recent controversies, and the implications for its loyal customer base.
Ownership: Is Mielle Organics Still Black-Owned?
In January 2023, Mielle Organics was acquired by Procter & Gamble (P&G) Beauty, a move that has raised questions about the brand’s independence and commitment to its original mission. Despite the acquisition, Mielle Organics continues to operate as an independent subsidiary within P&G Beauty, with co-founders Monique and Melvin Rodriguez maintaining their roles as CEO and COO, respectively. According to P&G’s official announcement, the acquisition aims to expand access to healthy hair products and services for Black women around the world, while Mielle remains led by its original founders and operates as an independent entity within P&G Beauty .
Controversy: Lawsuits and Customer Concerns
Following the acquisition, Mielle Organics faced a surge in customer concerns, particularly regarding its popular Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil. Users reported issues such as hair loss and breakage, leading to widespread discussions on social media platforms. A proposed class action lawsuit was filed, alleging that Mielle Organics failed to warn consumers about potential hair loss associated with its products .
In response to these allegations, Mielle Organics has maintained that its product formulations have not changed since the acquisition and that the company continues to prioritize the safety and satisfaction of its customers .
Community Impact: Mielle Cares and Ongoing Commitment
Despite the controversies, Mielle Organics has emphasized its ongoing commitment to the Black community through its nonprofit initiative, Mielle Cares. In partnership with P&G, the brand has invested $10 million into Mielle Cares, aiming to provide educational and economic opportunities for Black and Brown communities .
Conclusion: A Complex Landscape
The acquisition of Mielle Organics by P&G Beauty has undoubtedly altered the landscape for the brand, raising questions about its ownership and commitment to its original mission. While the brand continues to operate under the leadership of its original founders and has made efforts to address community concerns, the situation underscores the complexities faced by Black-owned businesses in the beauty industry.
For more insights into Mielle Organics and its journey, you can watch the following interview with founder Monique Rodriguez:
References:
- “Mielle Organics Joins P&G Beauty in a Major Move for Black Entrepreneurs Serving Black Women,” P&G Beauty, January 11, 2023. Link
- “P&G Acquires Hair Care Brand Mielle Organics,” Beauty Packaging, January 11, 2023. Link
- “Mielle Organics lawsuit/controversy,” Reddit, last year. Link
- “Does Mielle Organics Cause Hair Loss: Controversy & Lawsuit Explained,” TryBello, July 2, 2025. Link
THE BLK SPARROW 