Ask the FDA to Recall Toxic Hair Straighteners!

Testing has shown dangerous levels of formaldehyde in Brazilian Blowout products (up to 12%!), one of which was labeled "formaldehyde-free". Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and Canada, France, and Ireland have already issued advisories and are working to stop distribution of the product. Learn more here.

More than a year after reports surfaced about dangerous levels of formaldehyde in Brazilian Blowout and keratin hair straightening treatments, the products are still being used in salons across the U.S.

It's time the U.S. FDA took action to protect stylists and consumers from these hazardous products, too. Please ask the FDA to issue a voluntary recall of toxic hair straighteners!

We deserve safe products--don't you think?

Subject:

Your Letter:

Dear Dr. Katz,

I was alarmed to learn that recent testing results by Oregon OSHA found that the Brazilian Blowout Solution and Acai Professional Smoothing Solution, both manufactured by Brazilian Blowout of California, contained between 6.4% and 11.8% formaldehyde. In order to protect consumers and salon workers from exposure to this harmful chemical, the FDA should issue a voluntary recall for these two products immediately.

According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, the cosmetics industry’s own self-policing panel, formaldehyde levels in cosmetics should not exceed 0.2%. The EPA has classified formaldehyde as a possible carcinogen and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified it as a known human carcinogen.

Canada and Ireland have already taken steps to stop distribution of this product. I understand that due to weak cosmetics regulation, the U.S. FDA cannot issue a mandatory recall, but it is unacceptable that the agency has not taken any voluntary steps to remove this harmful product from the market.

Products like the Brazilian Blowout Solution shouldn’t contain any dangerous ingredients, let alone over 10% of a known carcinogen. I urge the FDA to warn consumers and salons of the dangers of using such treatments and ask Brazilian Blowout to issue a voluntary recall of these two products in the U.S.

Sincerely,

Dr. Linda Katz

Food and Drug Administration, Office of Cosmetics and Colors

Ask the FDA to Recall Toxic Hair Straighteners!

Dr. Linda Katz

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