- Unpublished FDA documents obtained by EWG showing dozens of reports of injuries and adverse effects for salon workers and clients.
- A survey of top salons nationwide showing widespread use of formaldehyde-based hair straighteners.
- Scientific review for all hair straighteners on the market with EWG’s tips of safest options.
- First-ever database of more than 100 hair straightening products, including active ingredients and marketing claims.
"Deceptive marketing of formaldehyde-laced hair smoothing products is deplorable," said EWG senior scientist David Andrews. "Chemicals known to cause cancer shouldn’t be hidden ingredients in any products that people inhale or apply to their skin."
"While not as common as a haircut, these straightening procedures happen in salons across the country each day, exposing workers and customers to unnecessary levels of formaldehyde that could put them at increased risk of adverse health effects including cancer later in life," added Andrews.
"Canada pulled Brazilian Blowout off the market six months ago, and our federal agencies are just now getting around to warning people of the health risks," said Stacy Malkan, who helped found the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics with Environmental Working Group and other organizations. "It’s clear that we need a better safety system, where products are assessed for safety before they cause harm."
Six countries have recalled straighteners based on formaldehyde, but these products are still completely legal in the United States. Environmental Working Group is petitioning the federal Food and Drug Administration to regulate the use of formaldehyde in hair straighteners and require these products to include warning labels. Some popular manufacturers are reformulating as news of formaldehyde in their products spreads.
EWG is urging anyone wanting straighter hair to consider the chemical-free method — a manual blowout with a blow dryer and hot iron.
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