Suave Hair Products’ Ingredient Causes Hair Loss, Scalp Irritation, Class Action Alleges

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Suave Professionals shampoo and conditioner contain DMDM hydantoin, a preservative that causes hair loss and scalp irritation, and releases toxins that are known human carcinogens, a new class action lawsuit alleges.

The nationwide class action lawsuit was filed in Illinois on June 18 by lead Plaintiff Deanna Lewakowski, who alleges that Unilever, the manufacturer of Suave products, knowingly used the unsafe ingredient for more than a decade, in direct contradiction to claims the company’s products are safe and healthy.

According to the lawsuit, Unilever led customers to believe Suave products could help “nourish” and “replenish” hair and specifically help to reduce hair loss. However, DMDM hydantoin, a key ingredient in the Suave Professionals range, is known to cause significant hair loss and scalp irritation.

“Unfortunately, for Plaintiff and Class Members, the Suave Products do not smooth, repair, or restore hair. Instead, the Suave Products contain DMDM hydantoin, which exposed Plaintiff and at least thousands of consumers to potential hair loss, allergic reactions, and skin and/or scalp irritation,” the claim states.

Lewakowski purchased the Suave shampoo and conditioner after reading Unilever’s claims that the products were safe “to smooth, nourish, cleanse, and/or repair hair.”

“After using the Products as intended by Defendants, Plaintiff Lewakowski noticed irritation, scalp itch, and increased hair falling out shortly after the first few uses. Prior to using the Products, Plaintiff Lewakowski had never experienced hair loss or scalp irritation,” the class action lawsuit reads.

Lewakowski also experienced scalp irritation, including a burning sensation, and her scalp became very red and dry after using the products. The redness, hotness, and itchiness of Plaintiff’s scalp would persist for up to seven hours, the claim says.

“Furthermore, Plaintiff’s hair became dry, brittle, and broke off easily after using the Products.”

Lewakowski used the products for less than two months before she started to experience hair loss and scalp irritation, and discarded them as soon as that happened. She says that once she stopped using them, her symptoms gradually dissipated and vanished.

According to the lawsuit, Unilever’s labeling and an extensive marketing campaign made a number of misrepresentations about the Suave products, saying that they smooth hair, add softness and shine, prevent frizzing, and reduce hair fall.

However, the products actually caused thousands of consumers to experience hair loss and scalp irritation because of their inclusion of the DMDM hydantoin, the claim reads. The ingredient is one of the main formaldehyde donors, which can be absorbed through the skin and have been linked to cancer and allergic skin reactions, the class action lawsuit says.

“There are a variety of synthetic and natural preservatives which may be used in cosmetics that are safer alternatives to DMDM hydantoin.”

“By downplaying, concealing and misrepresenting the Products and the safety and risks of their use, Unilever failed in its duty to provide consumers with adequate information, and continued even knowing of the Products’ dangers to create and perpetuate a false public perception that there was little or no risk of harm from the use of its Products.”

The class action lawsuit says that Unilever has known about the risks of the ingredient for more than a decade, but only recently reformulated products to exclude it following a class action lawsuit.

“As a result of Defendants’ misrepresentations, Plaintiff has experienced actual damages, including economic damages.”

Lewakowski wants to represent a national, multi-state, and Illinois Class of consumers in the class action lawsuit, and is suing for violation of consumer fraud laws, fraud, and unjust enrichment. She seeks certification of the Class, restitution, injunctive relief, legal costs, interest, damages, and a jury trial.

Lewakowski’s class action lawsuit is not the only one Unilever is facing. In May, the company was hit with a class action lawsuit that alleges it deceptively markets its Men+Care Dove deodorant as being “anti” stain, when it actually causes white and yellow stains on consumers’ clothes.

Do you use Suave Professionals hair care products? Did you know the products used to contain a possible carcinogenic ingredient? Let us know in the comments section!

Lewakowski is represented by Jonathan Shub and Kevin Laukaitis of Shub Law Firm LLC, Andrew J. Sciolla of Sciolla Law Firm LLC, Melissa K. Sims, Daniel K. Bryson, Harper T. Segui, Caroline Ramsey Taylor of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC, and Melissa R. Emert and Gary S. Graifman of Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C.

The Suave Professionals Hair Loss Class Action Lawsuit is Lewakowski v. Unilever United States, Inc. et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-03276, in the U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois.

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