The lawsuit alleges the companies concealed cancer risk research while marketing chemical hair relaxers to Minnesota consumers.<\/p>\n
Ellison announced the lawsuit Friday, October 23, 2026.<\/p>\n
The case was filed in Hennepin County District Court.<\/p>\n
L\u2019Or\u00e9al Accused of Misleading Minnesota Consumers<\/h2>\n
The lawsuit names L\u2019Or\u00e9al USA, Inc., L\u2019Or\u00e9al USA Products, Inc., L\u2019Or\u00e9al S.A., L\u2019Or\u00e9al USA S\/D, Inc., and SoftSheen-Carson LLC.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors allege the companies marketed chemical hair relaxers as safe despite research identifying possible cancer risks.<\/p>\n
The products were marketed mainly to Black women and girls, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
Brands named in the lawsuit include Dark and Lovely, Optimum, Mizani, Bantu, and others.<\/p>\n
The complaint alleges violations of three Minnesota consumer protection laws.<\/p>\n
Those include the Prevention of Consumer Fraud Act, Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and False Statement in Advertising Act.<\/p>\n
Studies Link Hair Relaxers to Increased Cancer Risk<\/h2>\n
The lawsuit cites several studies examining chemical hair relaxers and women’s health.<\/p>\n
A 2022 study involving nearly 34,000 women found an association between frequent hair straightener use and uterine cancer.<\/p>\n
Researchers found frequent users had more than twice the risk compared with women who never used the products.<\/p>\n
The National Institutes of Health<\/a> published information about those findings.<\/p>\n A separate 2023 study examined long-term relaxer use among Black women.<\/p>\n Researchers reported a 60% higher uterine cancer risk among users compared with women who never used relaxers.<\/p>\n That figure reached 71% among women reporting at least 20 years of use.<\/p>\n A 2021 study also linked frequent relaxer use with approximately twice the risk of ovarian cancer.<\/p>\n These studies found associations but did not establish that specific products caused cancer.<\/p>\n The complaint raises concerns about chemicals associated with some hair relaxer products.<\/p>\n Those include formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, ethylene oxide, and substances that may disrupt hormone activity.<\/p>\n Ellison alleges the companies continued using descriptions such as “healthy,” “natural,” and “gentle” despite the research.<\/p>\n The complaint also identifies products marketed to children, including Dark and Lovely Beautiful Beginnings.<\/p>\n State officials allege consumers were not adequately warned about the reported health risks.<\/p>\n L\u2019Or\u00e9al USA has rejected the state’s allegations and defended its products’ safety.<\/p>\n The company says its products undergo scientific evaluations and comply with applicable regulations.<\/p>\n L\u2019Or\u00e9al also argues that the cited studies do not establish a direct causal link between its products and cancer.<\/p>\n The company’s response was reported by the Minnesota Star Tribune<\/a>.<\/p>\n The scientific evidence and marketing allegations remain central issues in the lawsuit.<\/p>\n Ellison is asking the court to determine whether the companies violated Minnesota consumer protection laws.<\/p>\n The state seeks civil penalties and repayment of money allegedly obtained through misleading sales practices.<\/p>\n Prosecutors also want a permanent court order requiring adequate health warnings before continued sales.<\/p>\n The complaint does not identify specific Minnesota consumers diagnosed with cancer from using these products.<\/p>\n Readers can review the full 34-page lawsuit<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office<\/a> also published an official announcement.<\/p>\n The allegations have not been proven in court, and no final ruling has been announced.<\/p>\n I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News<\/a>.<\/p>\nState Questions Chemicals and Marketing Claims<\/h2>\n
L\u2019Or\u00e9al Disputes the Allegations<\/h2>\n
Minnesota Seeks Penalties and Consumer Restitution<\/h2>\n
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