Johnson & Johnson Hair Products Cause Hair Loss

Major national shops such as Target, Ulta, CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens sell the items. Shampoos, conditioners, and a few hair oils manufactured by Johnson & Johnson are among the items listed in the complaint.

The complainant, Larissa Whipple of Illinois, is concerned about the component DMDM hydantoin. DMDM hydantoin is an antibacterial and preservative ingredient that is occasionally included in hair care products. It is classified as a “formaldehyde donor,” which means that it slowly releases a little quantity of formaldehyde to keep the product fresh.

However, donors of formaldehyde like this one have been associated with allergic reactions, rashes, hair loss, and cancer. According to the National Toxicology Program of the Department of Health and Human Services, formaldehyde is known to cause cancer.

According to the complaint, the corporation may have violated consumer protection laws by marketing goods containing this chemical to individuals seeking healthy hair.

“Johnson & Johnson made several affirmative misrepresentations regarding the products’ ability to ‘deeply nourish,’ ‘gently cleanse,’ and ‘repair hair.’ However, the products’ composition contains a substance or combination of ingredients that have resulted in Plaintiff and thousands of other consumers experiencing hair loss and/or scalp irritation,” the lawsuit states.

According to Johnson & Johnson, all of their components are carefully chosen and stated on the product’s label. According to the firm, none of their new products include DMDM hydantoin, and they have not introduced any new hair products using this chemical in several years.

Johnson & Johnson stated in a statement to WebMD that it carefully selects components to guarantee the safety and efficacy of its products. “A few of our current products contain a trace of DMDM hydantoin, which is intended to inhibit mold growth while the product is in the shower. Each preservative we employ in our goods must pass our stringent safety evaluation process.”

Johnson & Johnson stated in August 2012 that it will phase out DMDM hydantoin and other related chemicals from its products by 2015. However, the complaint asserts that this is a case of a “broken promise.”

According to the lawsuit, Johnson & Johnson did indeed remove DMDM hydantoin from existing consumer goods at the time. “However, when Johnson & Johnson purchased Vogue International, including its OGX product line, Johnson & Johnson neglected to modify the ingredient profiles of goods that did not adhere to the same consumer safety standards.”

On the preservatives page of Johnson & Johnson‘s safety and care commitment website, the company claims that DMDM hydantoin does not meet their safety standards, but further down the page, the company states that they use it in products when other preservatives are incompatible with other ingredients in the formula.

According to dermatologist Shani Francis, MD, hair product makers should strive to provide a good consumer experience.

“Hair breakage and texture changes are critical indicators of overall hair health. We should constantly be on the lookout for items that can boost our hair care experience,” Francis advises. “It is critical to get a firm grasp on your unique hair demands to minimize complications.”

The FDA has identified DMDM hydantoin as one of the preservatives that cause the most adverse responses when used in cosmetic goods. The FDA requires certain products to list ingredients, but some ingredients may not be specifically identified and instead listed as “fragrance” or “perfume.”

Francis emphasizes the importance of remembering that there is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” hair care product and that seeking goods with a great customer experience history is a smart approach to discover new products.

“When it comes to ingredients, water-based products are an excellent place to start. The presence of aloe vera at the top of the ingredient list indicates a more acidic pH. Glycerin is also a humectant, which helps hair retain moisture naturally,” Francis explains. “Ultimately, equilibrium is critical. Often[times], having too much of a good thing is detrimental. Additionally, if you have a comorbid medical, scalp, or skin disease, you may be in a unique scenario and should seek the assistance of a board-certified dermatologist.”