OnderLaw is representing consumers who have experienced hair loss after using TRESemme Keratin Smooth shampoo after it was discovered that it contains a chemical that has been linked to a number of products.
A new litigation has been filed against Unilever United States, the makers of TRESemme Keratin Smooth shampoo alleging the company has failed to warn consumers that the product may cause hair loss.
Consumers who have experienced hair loss, including some who say they began to lose “clumps of hair,” are coming forward to hold the company responsible.
TRESemme contains a preservative called DMDM hydantoin, which creates toxic formaldehyde when it comes into contact with water. This chemical is believed to be responsible for hair loss and dryness, itching, and redness of the scalp in people who use TRESemme regularly.
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and is known to irritate the scalp. Scalp irritation is a primary cause for hair loss. In addition, long-term use tends to cause increased sensitivity and may be linked to dramatic hair loss.
A class action lawsuit filed by an Illinois woman alleges that Unilever’s use of DMDM hydantoin in TRESemmé Keratin Smooth products is “an entirely unnecessary risk.” It argues that natural and safer alternatives are available.
The lawsuit also says that Unilever has claimed that TRESemme is safe, despite the fact that it contains a chemical with a known “high potential for toxicity or allergic reaction.”
It reads: “Defendants continued to conceal the dangers of the Products by failing to appropriately and fully recall the Products, by continuing to claim the Products were safe when properly applied, and by failing to warn consumers of the dangers attendant to the Products’ use.”
Unilever has Known for Years
The lawsuit alleges that Unilever has attempted to conceal consumer “horror stories” and complaints, and that their “reckless indifference” has allowed Unilever to realize “sizable profits” while unsuspecting consumers suffer.
These claims are not unfounded.
Unilever was the plaintiff in litigation surrounding a nearly identical issue in 2012. Their Suave Keratin Infusion shampoo had been advertised as formaldehyde-free, despite the fact that it contained DMDM hydantoin. The lawsuit, which also resulted from plaintiffs’ hair loss and scalp irritation, resulted in a $10.2 million settlement upheld by the appeals court in 2016.
“Deeply Nourish” and “Gently Cleanse”
Unilever’s advertising claims TRESemme’s Keratin Smooth shampoo helps to repair hair, and that it will “deeply nourish” “gently cleanse” the hair. It does not warn consumers that the company has been aware that DMDM hydantoin is linked to hair loss and other problems.
Until recently, DMDM hydantoin was added as a preservative. Because keratin is a protein, microbes tend to grow well in it unless there is something to stop them. It releases small amounts of formaldehyde, creating an environment in which bacteria and other microorganisms cannot grow. This extends the shelf life of the shampoo, but also adds toxicity to the hair care products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers DMDM hydantoin among the top additives that “cause the most allergic reactions from the use of cosmetic products.”
Despite their claims that the product is safe, Unilever recently changed the formula of its TRESemme Keratin Smooth formula to disinclude DMDM hydantoin. Unfortunately for many consumers, it is too late for those who have already been harmed by unsightly hair loss and severe irritation.
Are You Eligible for Compensation?
If you have purchased TRESemmé Keratin Hair Smoothing Shampoo or TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Color Shampoo products and experienced hair loss or irritation after using them, contact the attorneys at OnderLaw at 800-799-2824.
The dedicated and experienced personal injury attorneys at OnderLaw are holding companies responsible for putting profits over the safety of you and your family. We are among the top 5% of personal injury law firms in the nation, and we don’t get paid unless you win your case.
Contact us at 800-799-2824 for a free, no-obligation case review.
