Olaplex lawsuit: Over 30 women claim to have suffered from hair loss and scalp damage

More than 30 women across the country have joined the lawsuit alleging that Olaplex, a hair care brand promoted by social media influencers and hairdressers, caused serious damage to their hair, including hair loss, scalp injuries and weakened hair strands. .

“Olaplex positions its product as “clean” and free from harsh chemicals. He also advertises his products as “scientifically proven” to prevent and repair hair damage. The truth is that, contrary to their claims, Olaplex uses ingredients such as silicones and sulfates. products contain ingredients that are known irritants and (at least until recently) even carcinogens,” said Amy Davis, co-counsel for the lawsuit, in a statement emailed to FOX.

According to the lawsuit, which was filed last week in the US District Court for the Central District of California, Olaplex products contain lilial, a chemical compound often used as a fragrance in cosmetics. In 2020, the European Union ruled that products containing lilial must begin phasing out the chemical by March 2022 due to concerns about its effect on fertility.

In addition to lilial, the products also contain “or have been at any time containing, among other harsh ingredients, sulfates, silicones, benzene, or ingredients that combine to form benzene, lilial and other known allergens, sensitizers and skin irritants,” the complaint says. .

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What’s more, according to the National Cancer Institute, benzene is a known carcinogen that can lead to leukemia and other cancers and blood disorders.

“There is a common misconception in the US that hair care and other beauty products must be approved by the FDA before they can be placed on the market. It’s not like that,” Davis continued. “The FDA only regulates whether a cosmetic product is adulterated or mislabeled, not whether it is safe. Manufacturers are not required to conduct any specific testing, disclose product ingredients, or submit any premarket testing for FDA approval. They can use any ingredient they like. from several coloring additives that are not used here. Unlike other countries, much of what is considered an “industry standard” in the United States is based on the CIR (Cosmetic Ingredients Review), which is a beauty industry funded organization. … the FDA has no authority to recall cosmetic products.”

The lawsuit also alleged that influencers, brand representatives and celebrities were selling Olaplex products without disclosing that they were being compensated for doing so, and also falsely claimed that consumers could achieve “their own hairstyles without the use of professional hairdressers.”

Lawyers in the lawsuit also said that the plaintiffs considered any other causes of hair and scalp problems, but concluded that only Olaplex products were to blame.

“It is the responsibility of the manufacturer of hair care products to ensure consumer safety. Olaplex did not. Our customers have filed a lawsuit to hold Olaplex accountable and protect other unsuspecting consumers,” added Davis.

The plaintiffs are seeking monetary compensation and punitive damages.

Olaplex answers

In response, Olaplex has strongly supported its products, saying they are “safe and effective” and the complaints noted in the lawsuit are “unfortunately a fact of life in our industry,” an Olaplex spokesperson told FOX.

“There are many causes of hair breakage or hair loss, as publicly stated by medical and scientific experts, including lifestyle, various diseases and medications, the effects of COVID, skin diseases, and more. Anyone experiencing persistent hair loss should consult their stylist and dermatologist to better understand their unique hair and skin needs,” the spokesperson added.

Olaplex recently posted several responses to hair loss and damage claims on their social media platforms. Even the CEO of the company, Jue Wong, posted a response video touting test results that she says prove that Olaplex products do not harm hair.

The company also asked its chief scientist to post a video on Olaplex’s Facebook page to “establish clarity” on the testing process as well as the “rigorous protocols” and rigorous “third party testing” their products must pass before being sold. public.

This story was reported from Los Angeles.