Ingredient analysis: Chemicals linked to cancer found in hair products marketed to women of color at Sally Beauty

Executive summary

Toxic-Free Future conducted an independent analysis of ingredient labels for 577 hair products sold on the Sally Beauty website, products marketed primarily to Black and brown people for textured hair. Nearly one in eight products contained chemicals that release formaldehyde, a cancer-causing substance. About one in 14 contained siloxanes, specifically, D4, D5, or D6, which are linked to cancer and reproductive harm. In total, 17 percent of products contained chemicals that release formaldehyde and/or the siloxanes D4, D5, or D6, meaning more than one in six products contained at least one of these chemicals. Formaldehyde releasers and siloxanes will be restricted in hair products in Washington state and the European Union, respectively, by January 2027.