Unilever sued over TRESemmé shampoo allegedly linked to hair loss

TRESemmé class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: A group of consumers filed a lawsuit against Conopco Inc., doing business as Unilever Home & Personal Care USA.
• Why: The plaintiffs claim they suffered hair loss after using TRESemmé shampoo and conditioner products that contained DMDM hydantoin.
• Where: The TRESemmé class action lawsuit was filed in New Jersey federal court.

A group of consumers filed a class action lawsuit against Unilever, alleging the company’s TRESemmé shampoo and conditioner products caused hair loss.

Plaintiff Tarrah Kinney and five others claim they suffered hair loss after using TRESemmé shampoo and/or conditioner that contained a dangerous ingredient called DMDM hydantoin, which releases formaldehyde.

The plaintiffs say they suffered hair loss, thinning hair and scalp irritation after using TRESemmé products marketed to smooth hair, add softness and shine, and prevent frizz and tangling 

“Contrary to [Unilever’s] representations, the TRESemmé products’ formula contains DMDM, a chemical that releases formaldehyde,” the TRESemmé class action lawsuit says.

The plaintiffs claim Unilever was aware that DMDM could cause hair loss and scalp irritation but continued to use the ingredient in its TRESemmé products, even though safer alternatives were available.

The plaintiffs point to a 2012 class action lawsuit alleging that DMDM in Unilever’s Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion 30 Day Smoothing Kit caused hair loss and scalp irritation. 

Unilever ultimately recalled the Suave product and settled the class action, yet it continued to use DMDM in its TRESemmé products, the plaintiffs allege.

TRESemmé class action claims Unilever knew DMDM could cause hair loss

According to the TRESemmé class action lawsuit, Unilever has received numerous complaints from consumers who experienced hair loss after using TRESemmé products containing DMDM.

The plaintiffs claim Unilever failed to warn consumers about the risks associated with DMDM and continued to sell the TRESemmé products containing the ingredient, even though the risks outweighed any potential benefits.

Unilever has since reformulated its TRESemmé products to remove DMDM, but this was only after the plaintiffs were injured, the TRESemmé class action lawsuit says.

The plaintiffs assert claims for strict product liability and negligence. They are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs and a jury trial.

Last year, consumers filed a class action lawsuit accusing Unilever of falsely marketing and labeling its Vaseline Baby Healing Jelly as hypoallergenic.

What do you think about the allegations made in this TRESemmé class action lawsuit? Join the discussion in the comments.

The plaintiffs are represented by Stephen J. Fearon, Jr. of Squitieri & Fearon LLP.

The TRESemmé class action lawsuit is Kinney, et al. v. Conopco Inc. d/b/a Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Case No. 2:26-cv-08708, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

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