US state accuses L’Oreal of concealing cancer risks linked to hair relaxers

Arizona has initiated legal action against L’Oreal SA and its US subsidiary, alleging the cosmetics company concealed evidence linking its hair relaxer products to cancer risks in women. This lawsuit marks Arizona's first step against allegations of cancer risks associated with hair relaxers. Attorney General Kristin Mayes filed the complaint in state court, asserting that L’Oreal violated consumer protection laws by marketing the products without warning consumers about potential ovarian and uterine cancer risks.

The state is seeking penalties, damages, and an injunction forcing L’Oreal to cease selling the products until they provide adequate cancer risk warnings. As the company confronts over 12,000 similar lawsuits consolidated in a Chicago federal court, L’Oreal USA maintains the safety of its products and dismisses the claims as lacking legal and scientific merit.

A 2022 National Institutes of Health study found women using the products multiple times a year had a more than doubled risk of uterine cancer. The lawsuits, targeting brands like Dark and Lovely and Optimum, seek damages for women's pain and suffering and economic compensation for medical bills and product costs. The litigation, which includes other manufacturers like Revlon, is ongoing, with trials potentially beginning next year.