Major beauty brands like L’Oréal and Revlon are embroiled in a massive legal mess regarding the carcinogenic properties of their hair relaxer products. Yes, you heard that right! The lawsuits, which now number more than 8,000 cases, have drawn attention because of the potential health risks, especially among women of color who regularly use these products to meet certain beauty standards.
Cosmetics giants sued over carcinogenic substances in hair relaxers
These hair relaxers have come under fire, with claims suggesting they could be linked to serious cancers, such as uterine, cervical and ovarian cancer. Black women appear to be at particular risk. Studies from the National Institutes of Health found a strong link between frequent use of these relaxers and a higher risk of uterine cancer.
Despite attempts by L'Oréal and Revlon to dismiss the claims, Judge Mary Rowland denied the motions, citing negligence, defective product design, and a failure to warn consumers of potential risks in their products. Now the plaintiffs must prove that the companies failed to adequately warn of these risks.
These lawsuits are shedding light on what’s in these hair products, and it’s making people think twice. Chemicals in these relaxers, specifically phthalates, have been singled out as potential culprits for disrupting natural hormone production, which has health organizations concerned.
