FDA delays proposal to ban formaldehyde in hair straighteners

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has missed a deadline to propose a ban on the use of formaldehyde in hair straighteners, a decision originally scheduled for April 2024. The chemical is commonly found in hair-straightening products used primarily by black women, and these have been linked to significant health risks, including cancer.

In October, the FDA said it intended to introduce a rule banning the addition of formaldehyde to these products. After extensive research, a correlation has been found between ingredients in hair smoothing products and an increased risk of cancer. However, as of late April, the agency had not released its proposed ban and had not responded to inquiries about the delay. A major National Institutes of Health study has found that black women who regularly use hair straighteners are at increased risk of uterine cancer, raising concerns about the issue.

The delay has sparked concern among health advocates and affected individuals, many of whom are involved in class-action lawsuits against major cosmetics manufacturers such as L'Oréal and Revlon. While Revlon has previously denied any link between hair straighteners and cancer, L'Oréal said its products do not contain formaldehyde and expressed support for the FDA's proposed ban, emphasizing its commitment to consumer health and safety.

The issue highlights broader concerns about disparities in beauty products on the market and potential health risks that disproportionately affect black women. Democratic representatives Ayanna Pressley and Shontel Brown have actively called for stricter regulation of such products. The rationale is cultural and socioeconomic pressures that have historically impacted black women's beauty standards.