Research Report
What we found: Formaldehyde releasers
Ingredient analysis: Chemicals linked to cancer found in hair products marketed to women of color at Sally Beauty
What we found: Formaldehyde releasers
Formaldehyde releasers were identified in 68 of 577, or nearly one in eight, of the hair products reviewed.
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers may be used in products to straighten hair or smooth curls. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen, identified as a cause of a rare type of throat cancer, and linked to leukemia. It also irritates the eyes, nose, and throat, and can cause contact dermatitis, which is an itchy skin rash from contact with an irritating substance. Formaldehyde is associated with asthma diagnosis and asthma symptoms in both children and adults.
Read the analysis
- I.Introduction
- II.Background: Health at risk for women of color
- III.Methodology
- IV.What we found: Formaldehyde releasers
- V.What we found: Siloxanes
- VI.Recommendations
- VII.References