“You trusted your hair care—now you're battling cancer.”
For decades, Black and Latina women have been targeted with beauty products marketed as safe, effective, and empowering. But beneath the glossy labels and promises of “stronger, smoother, silkier” hair lies a devastating truth: many of these products contain chemicals that scientific and government agencies have directly linked to breast cancer, uterine cancer, fibroids, and blood cancers.
Now, thousands of women are coming forward—backed by medical research and major lawsuits—demanding accountability for lifelong health damage caused by products they were told were safe.
Scientific Findings on Hazardous Chemicals in Hair Products
A study conducted by the Silent Spring Institute, published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, revealed that over half of beauty products used by Black and Latina women contain formaldehyde-releasing chemicals. These substances are known carcinogens linked to cancer and other health issues. The study found these toxic preservatives in 47% of skincare and 58% of haircare items, including shampoos, lotions, body soaps, chemical hair straighteners, and eyelash glue. People.com
Further research, including the "Sister Study" by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), indicated that women who frequently used hair relaxers were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer. The study followed over 33,000 women and found a significant association between the use of hair relaxers and increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.
Major Lawsuits and Settlements
WEN by Chaz Dean
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Issue: Lack of traditional cleansers leading to clogged follicles, hair loss, and scalp irritation.
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Outcome: A $26.3 million class-action settlement was reached after over 21,000 complaints were filed with the FDA.
Unilever (TRESemmé & Suave)
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Issue: Use of DMDM hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, leading to hair loss and scalp burns.
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Outcome: Suave paid $10.2 million to settle claims. TRESemmé cases are still ongoing.
Johnson & Johnson (OGX)
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Issue: Continued use of DMDM hydantoin despite pledges to remove harmful chemicals.
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Outcome: The lawsuit is ongoing, but J&J quietly removed DMDM hydantoin from OGX products after backlash.
L’Oréal, Revlon, and Others
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Issue: Use of chemical hair relaxers linked to reproductive cancers, particularly affecting Black women.
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Outcome: Over 7,000 lawsuits have been filed, citing links between hair relaxers and reproductive cancers.
Brazilian Blowout
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Issue: High levels of formaldehyde despite claims of being "formaldehyde-free."
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Outcome: A $4.5 million class-action settlement and $600,000 in penalties for deceptive advertising.
Dry Shampoos (P&G, Unilever, Church & Dwight)
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Issue: Presence of benzene, a known carcinogen, in aerosol dry shampoos.
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Outcome: Multiple brands issued voluntary recalls, and multi-million-dollar settlements are in progress.
Health Implications of Chemical Exposure
Exposure to harmful chemicals in hair care products has been linked to various health issues:
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Uterine Cancer: The NIH's Sister Study found that women who used hair relaxers frequently had a 2.4 times greater risk of developing uterine cancer.
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Breast Cancer: The Women's Circle of Health Study found that Black women who use permanent hair dyes had a 51% increased risk of breast cancer. Safe Cosmetics
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Early Exposure: Black women often use hair products containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals starting from early stages of life, including infancy and toddlerhood, which may contribute to increased cancer risk later in life. SAGE Journals
Estimated Settlement Amounts
According to LawLinq, the average hair relaxer lawsuit payout ranges from approximately $75,000 to $1,800,000, depending on the severity of the injury:
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Uterine Fibroids: Approximately $75,000 – $300,000
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Endometriosis: Approximately $75,000 – $300,000
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Ovarian Cancer: Approximately $300,000 – $750,000+
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Uterine Cancer: Approximately $300,000 – $1,800,000
Regulatory Disparities and Upcoming Changes
The European Union has banned or restricted over 1,300 chemicals in cosmetics, including formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, and certain siloxanes. In contrast, the U.S. FDA has banned only 11 chemicals in cosmetics.
However, recent legislative changes aim to enhance cosmetic safety standards in the U.S.:
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Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA): Expands the FDA's authority, allowing it to issue mandatory recalls and require safety substantiation for products.
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California's Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act: Will ban 26 harmful ingredients in personal care products starting January 1, 2027, including lily aldehyde, acetaldehyde, and styrene.
Until the FDA Steps Up, This Will Be the New Normal
Despite mounting lawsuits, damning scientific research, and thousands of women coming forward with devastating diagnoses, the U.S. government still allows these products on store shelves.
Until the FDA fully regulates the cosmetic industry—like it does with food and drugs—this will continue to be the new normal for Black and Latina women: buying beauty, and battling cancer.