Arizona AG Kris Mayes: L'Oréal Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Filed

• Arizona's Attorney General has sued L'Oréal USA and SoftSheen-Carson, alleging they failed to disclose cancer risks associated with their chemical hair relaxer products.
• The lawsuit, filed in Maricopa County, claims the companies violated the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act by promoting aesthetic benefits while concealing increased risks of uterine and ovarian cancer.
• Products like Dark and Lovely, Optimum, and Mizani, primarily marketed to women of African descent, are cited for containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals linked to health issues.
• Attorney General Kris Mayes asserts that the risks have been known for over three decades, citing multiple scientific studies.
• The state seeks restitution for consumers and a court order requiring the companies to provide adequate health warnings.

Attorney General Kris Mayes, leading the charge for the state, asserted that L'Oréal either possessed knowledge or should have been aware of the inherent dangers linked to these hair straightening solutions.

The state of Arizona has initiated legal proceedings against beauty industry giants L'Oréal USA and its subsidiary SoftSheen-Carson, alleging a failure to adequately inform consumers about potential cancer risks associated with their chemical hair relaxer products. Filed in Maricopa County, the **Arizona L'Oréal hair relaxer cancer lawsuit** contends that these manufacturers prioritized commercial gains over public safety by not disclosing serious health implications.

Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes, leading the charge for the state, asserted that L'Oréal either possessed knowledge or should have been aware of the inherent dangers linked to these hair straightening solutions. Mayes criticized the companies for promoting their products' aesthetic benefits without transparently communicating the increased risks of uterine and ovarian cancer, thereby violating the **Arizona Consumer Fraud Act L'Oréal** is accused of contravening. This legal action underscores a growing scrutiny of product safety and disclosure within the beauty sector.

The complaint specifically targets products sold under the Dark and Lovely, Optimum, and Mizani brands, which are marketed primarily to women of African descent. These products, according to the lawsuit, promise a "safe and desirable means of conforming naturally textured hair to prevailing beauty standards." However, the state argues that this marketing strategy has been employed since the 1970s in Arizona, appealing to "Eurocentric beauty standards" while allegedly concealing significant health hazards.

Chemical hair relaxers function by using alkaline and hydroxide-based formulas to break down hair proteins, resulting in a smoother texture. The lawsuit highlights that modern formulations frequently contain **endocrine-disrupting chemicals**, such as phthalates, parabens, cyclosiloxanes, diethanolamine, and benzophenones. These substances are known to pose reproductive and hormonal risks. Given the temporary nature of the effects, consumers often reapply these relaxers regularly, a practice that can lead to short-term chemical burns and hair loss, and, more critically, long-term health issues as chemicals are absorbed through the scalp and forehead. This forms a central part of the **SoftSheen-Carson hair relaxer lawsuit**.

The Attorney General's office asserts that the health risks associated with these products have been recognized for more than three decades. The lawsuit references a 1995 study conducted by Boston University and the National Institutes of Health's 2009 "Sister Study," which specifically investigated cancer risk factors among Black Americans. Further evidence cited includes a 2021 finding by a NIEHS Environment and Cancer Epidemiology researcher, which indicated that individuals who regularly used chemical relaxers faced double the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

The chemical hair relaxer market represents a substantial segment of the beauty industry, valued at $718 million, and accounts for approximately a quarter of the $2.5 billion in hair products specifically marketed to Black consumers. The historical context of hair straightening products dates back to the early 20th century, with Garrett Augustus Morgan credited for their development, initially discovering the straightening effect while working with fabrics. By 1913, Morgan was already advertising his G.A. Morgan Hair Refining Cream, marking the beginning of a long history of such products.

Attorney General **Kris Mayes L'Oréal hair products** lawsuit seeks not only to halt these alleged deceptive practices but also to secure restitution for affected consumers and compel the companies to implement adequate warning labels. Mayes emphasized that the state will hold L'Oréal and SoftSheen-Carson accountable for what she described as prioritizing profits over the well-being of women and children. This legal action underscores the critical importance of comprehensive **hair relaxer cancer risk disclosure** by manufacturers, particularly for products with a long history of use and a specific demographic target.

The state's demand for restitution and mandatory consumer warnings highlights a broader regulatory push to ensure transparency in product safety. As of the publication of the original report, inquiries directed to L'Oréal and SoftSheen-Carson regarding the lawsuit had not received a response. This case could set a precedent for how beauty companies are expected to communicate potential health risks, especially concerning products containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

This lawsuit highlights the increasing legal risk for consumer product manufacturers regarding inadequate disclosure of health risks, particularly for products marketed to specific demographics. Legal and compliance teams for companies in the beauty and personal care sectors should review their product labeling, marketing claims, and risk disclosure policies to ensure compliance and mitigate potential consumer fraud and product liability exposures, as state attorneys general may pursue similar actions.

Source: Original reporting via Courthouse News Service