Chemical Hair Relaxer Cancer Litigation

This multidistrict litigation (MDL) centralizes a growing number of lawsuits from women, particularly women of color, who claim that their long-term use of chemical hair straightening and relaxer products led to the development of hormone-related cancers and conditions, including uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometriosis.

The lawsuits allege that many of these products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like phthalates, which can interfere with the body's hormonal systems. The litigation gained momentum following a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that found a statistically significant correlation between the frequent use of chemical hair straighteners and an increased risk of uterine cancer. Plaintiffs accuse major cosmetics companies, including L'Oréal and Revlon, of failing to warn consumers about these severe health risks.