FDA's formaldehyde ban in hair straightening products delayed

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The FDA's initiative to ban formaldehyde in hair straightening products has yet to move forward under the current administration. The proposal, which addresses health concerns linked to formaldehyde exposure, such as respiratory issues and potential cancer risks, is still under review. Stakeholders within the beauty and health industry, as well as consumer safety advocates, are awaiting further developments, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes public health.

Source

Lauren A. Wise et al., Hair Relaxer Use and Risk of Uterine Leiomyomata in African-American Women. American Journal of Epidemiology, March 2012. Available at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22234483

Additional Reading

https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/11/health/fdas-formaldehyde-hair-products-trump-administration/index.html#:~:text=1.-,FDA's%20plan%20to%20propose%20ban%20on%20formaldehyde%20in%20hair%2Dstraightening,in%20limbo%20under%20Trump%20administration&text=Chemicals%20in%20certain%20hair%2Dstraightening,risk%20of%20cancer%20in%20women.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/fda-formaldehyde-ban-limbo-trump-executive-order-rcna187961

https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2024/12/delayed-fda-ban-formaldehyde-hair-straighteners-imperils-salon