St. Paul: L’Oréal Sued Over Hair Relaxer Cancer Risks

ST. PAUL, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed a lawsuit against cosmetics giant L’Oréal and four related companies.

The lawsuit alleges the companies concealed cancer risk research while marketing chemical hair relaxers to Minnesota consumers.

Ellison announced the lawsuit Friday, October 23, 2026.

The case was filed in Hennepin County District Court.

L’Oréal Accused of Misleading Minnesota Consumers

The lawsuit names L’Oréal USA, Inc., L’Oréal USA Products, Inc., L’Oréal S.A., L’Oréal USA S/D, Inc., and SoftSheen-Carson LLC.

Prosecutors allege the companies marketed chemical hair relaxers as safe despite research identifying possible cancer risks.

The products were marketed mainly to Black women and girls, according to the complaint.

Brands named in the lawsuit include Dark and Lovely, Optimum, Mizani, Bantu, and others.

The complaint alleges violations of three Minnesota consumer protection laws.

Those include the Prevention of Consumer Fraud Act, Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and False Statement in Advertising Act.

Studies Link Hair Relaxers to Increased Cancer Risk

The lawsuit cites several studies examining chemical hair relaxers and women’s health.

A 2022 study involving nearly 34,000 women found an association between frequent hair straightener use and uterine cancer.

Researchers found frequent users had more than twice the risk compared with women who never used the products.

The National Institutes of Health published information about those findings.

A separate 2023 study examined long-term relaxer use among Black women.

Researchers reported a 60% higher uterine cancer risk among users compared with women who never used relaxers.

That figure reached 71% among women reporting at least 20 years of use.

A 2021 study also linked frequent relaxer use with approximately twice the risk of ovarian cancer.

These studies found associations but did not establish that specific products caused cancer.

State Questions Chemicals and Marketing Claims

The complaint raises concerns about chemicals associated with some hair relaxer products.

Those include formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, ethylene oxide, and substances that may disrupt hormone activity.

Ellison alleges the companies continued using descriptions such as “healthy,” “natural,” and “gentle” despite the research.

The complaint also identifies products marketed to children, including Dark and Lovely Beautiful Beginnings.

State officials allege consumers were not adequately warned about the reported health risks.

L’Oréal Disputes the Allegations

L’Oréal USA has rejected the state’s allegations and defended its products’ safety.

The company says its products undergo scientific evaluations and comply with applicable regulations.

L’Oréal also argues that the cited studies do not establish a direct causal link between its products and cancer.

The company’s response was reported by the Minnesota Star Tribune.

The scientific evidence and marketing allegations remain central issues in the lawsuit.

Minnesota Seeks Penalties and Consumer Restitution

Ellison is asking the court to determine whether the companies violated Minnesota consumer protection laws.

The state seeks civil penalties and repayment of money allegedly obtained through misleading sales practices.

Prosecutors also want a permanent court order requiring adequate health warnings before continued sales.

The complaint does not identify specific Minnesota consumers diagnosed with cancer from using these products.

Readers can review the full 34-page lawsuit.

The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office also published an official announcement.

The allegations have not been proven in court, and no final ruling has been announced.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.