FDA Cracks Down on Formaldehyde in Hair-Straightening Products

What is formaldehyde and how to stay safe in your hair smoothing routine.

Formaldehyde is not just for science labs anymore. In a surprising twist, this chemical is making headlines in the beauty world, and not for the right reasons. The FDA is eyeing a potential ban on formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals found in hair straightening and smoothing products later this month.

Formaldehyde might sound like a harmless chemical, especially since it’s naturally present in our bodies. But as with most things in life, it’s all about the dosage. According to the American Cancer Society, when formaldehyde levels in the air exceed 0.1 parts per million, it can trigger a host of unpleasant symptoms, from watery eyes and coughing to nausea and skin irritation. And if that isn’t alarming enough, formaldehyde has earned itself a rather sinister reputation as a potential carcinogen when exposure levels are high or prolonged.

So, why on earth would beauty companies dabble in such risky business? Well, turns out the answer lies in formaldehyde’s remarkable preservation capabilities. Its ability to fend off bacteria, yeast, and mold can give hair products a longer shelf life – but at what cost? While your hair product might stay fresh for weeks on end, your health could be paying the price in the long run.

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes during those hair-straightening sessions at the salon? According to the FDA, it’s a veritable chemical cocktail. Straightening keratin treatments often contain formaldehyde, and when heat enters the equation, it’s released into the air as a gas. “If the salon is not properly ventilated, both the salon professionals and their clients are at risk of inhaling the released formaldehyde,” states the FDA.

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The dangers of formaldehyde exposure are no joke. From minor irritations to more serious health issues like cancer and kidney damage, the risks are all too real. That’s why it’s crucial to be proactive when it comes to your hair care routine. In their downloadable Consumer Fact Sheet, the FDA proposes three clear steps.

First things first, if you are buying hair smoothing products online or at a store, check product labels, keeping an eye out for formaldehyde-related ingredients like formalin and methylene glycol. No ingredients list on the box? No purchase!

Secondly, don’t be shy about asking your salon professionals about the products they’re using in their treatments. Products marketed for licensed salon professionals don’t always include ingredients but they are required to include directions for safe use and warning statements. “You could ask if your salon professional has a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the product that you can see,” the guidelines suggest.

Lastly, if you had a bad reaction upon using a hair smoothing product, stop using the product immediately and inform your healthcare provider of any symptoms you experience. Additionally, you have the option to notify the FDA about your symptoms either by phone or online. This will help the FDA take action sooner, as under US law, cosmetic products as well as their ingredients do not require pre-market approval from the FDA. To take action about a cosmetic product’s safety, authorities demand solid proof that it poses risks.

The FDA’s proposed ban on formaldehyde in hair products is a much-needed step in the right direction. It’s a clear signal that safer beauty practices are non-negotiable, and it holds companies accountable for the ingredients they’re putting into their products.

Until then, though, the ball is in our court as consumers. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and remember: true beauty starts from within – and that includes making choices that prioritize your health and well-being.

Also, read about Explosive Allegations Against Beauty Giants Over Cancer-Causing Hair Relaxers and New York Takes a Bold Step Towards Inclusive Beauty with Textured Hair Legislation.

Featured image via @keratintreatmenthair.