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Yet another class action is forming against Unilever, a personal care brand under fire for its use of a controversial preservative in its TRESemmé keratin shampoo.
Lead plaintiff Iris Arroyo alleges the company knowingly uses a chemical known as DMDM hydantoin in TRESemmé Smoothing and Keratin Smooth Color shampoos despite evidence showing it causes hair loss and scalp irritation and can react in a way as to form formaldehyde, a carcinogen.
Unilever “continued to conceal the dangers,” Arroyo says in the complaint, “by continuing to claim the Products were safe” and “failing to appropriately and fully recall” the keratin shampoo.
The class action lawsuit marks the third such action in the last two months against the keratin shampoo maker alleging the use of DMDM hydantoin.
In December, consumers from Illinois and Pennsylvania filed two separate class action lawsuits after using the keratin shampoo and reporting hair loss.
In both of those cases, plaintiffs allege a continued use of DMDM hydantoin by TRESemmé as a preservative in its keratin shampoos.
Arroyo and the other Class Members argue the use of DMDM hydantoin not only irritates the scalp but can also cause cancer, claiming the preservative slowly leaches formaldehyde over time.
Arroyo says Unilever has known about these issues since at least 2012 and that they settled a class action lawsuit that made similar claims against its Suave line of keratin shampoos for $10 million in 2016.
The complaint cites several studies, including one dating back to 1987, showing the risks surrounding DMDM hydantoin.
In 2015, according to the class action lawsuit, researchers found keratin shampoos stored over time at higher temperatures can “lead to more severe health concerns.”
“Reactions that generated formaldehyde occur silently as the products sit on shelves in stores or bathroom cabinets,” Arroyo claims.
Unilever uses these chemicals to keep the keratin shampoo from spoiling, Arroyo explains, despite alternatives being available.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists DMDM as one of the top allergens used in cosmetic products. the chemical was ranked the 21st most common allergen by the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology in 2010, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Arroyo further cites the FDA in the complaint, saying the agency found DMDM hydantoin can “‘trigger the immune system to release chemical substances such as antibodies,’ resulting in reactions such as itchiness, red rashes on the skin, or more extreme reactions.”
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth shampoo is “dangerous and unsafe for sale as over-the-counter hair smoothing shampoo products,” Arroyo says.
Formally, Arroyo is accusing Unilever of violating New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act, of breaching warranties and contract and of unjust enrichment.
Do you use TRESemmé keratin shampoo? Have you experienced any hair loss or scalp irritation from using the products? Let us know in the comments below.
Counsel representing the plaintiffs in the keratin shampoo class action lawsuit are Jonathan Shub and Kevin Laukaitis of Shub Law Firm LLC; Andrew J. Sciolla of Sciolla Law Firm LLC; Daniel K. Bryson, Harper T. Segui and Caroline Ramsey Taylor of Whitfield Bryson LLP; and Melissa R. Emert and Gary S. Graifman of Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman PC.
The Keratin Shampoo Class Action Lawsuit is Arroyo, et al. v. Unilever United States Inc., et al., Case No. 2:21-cv-00302, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
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1,376 thoughts onTRESemmé Keratin Shampoo Maker Facing Class Action Lawsuit Over Preservative
Yes I have used and experienced scalp issues and hair loss. Please add me
Please add me. Used for many years
Add me
I used TRESemme Keratin shampoo and condirioner too. I lost hair and didn’t know why. Then I started reading. It is so embarrassing to have to go through so much to cover the areas! I stopped using it but still have the bottles.
Please add me as well. I used these products for about two years and experienced hair loss, sores on my head. I thought it may be my thyroid, so I had numerous doctor visits, expensive lab tests, supplements, and prescription drugs. The meds did not alleviate the symptoms, so I stopped them. Finally realized it could be my hair products and switched about 1 year ago. My hair had been growing back and the sores have cleared up.
Please have someone contact me regarding joining the lawsuit. I kept complaining to my hairdresser or thought it was a thyroid problem for the reason of the hair loss. One of my friends sent me the article regarding this matter.
ADD ME I HAVE PROOF!!!!! My hair fell out over night had a bold spot….Also my scalp is always flacking……and itching Every Day AND my hair is still falling out by the hand full,,,,, I stopped using It the day the law suit came mind u I have been using this for 2 years almost every day shampoo and conditioner IM still suffering and it’s been 7 months since I used it last I HAD THICK CIRLY HAIR!!! And now IM Very Patchy and always have honks of scene EVERYWHERE AND RED BUMPS ON Scalp……. THIS HAS ALSO MADE ME SCERD TOO USE ANY OTHER BRAND SHAME ON THEM FOR ALLOWING THIS TO BE SOLD NO THE RISK……. THANKS FOR THE HELL YOUR PRODUCT HAS AND IS PUTTING ME THROUGH…!!!!! I hope it was worth it???
Please add me. I have hair loss, red, itchchy scalp from using these products
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Add me to the list. I have been having itchy scalp ever since i was using to present over this whole time. I stopped using it as soon as the lawsuit came out about it. My head will not quit itching. I have sores all over my head and my hair is falling out. I need help to get it fixed.
Add me please