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TRESemmé Shampoo Hair Loss Lawsuit

TRESemmé is a popular brand of shampoo and other hair care products made by Unilever, Inc. Recently, consumers have filed lawsuits alleging that TRESemmé shampoo contains harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde that have caused users to suffer hair loss.

About Unilever and TRESemmé

Unilever is a major manufacturer of personal care products and it is the second leading manufacturer of shampoo in the world. TRESemmé is one of Unilever’s most popular hair care brands. The TRESemmé Products are sold directly by Unilever through retailers.  Unilever promotes TRESemmé Products through labeling and advertising channels, including representations written or approved by Unilever on retail websites like Walmart.

TRESemmé shampoo products contain DMDM, a chemical that releases formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen that has been show to cause harmful effects when applied to the skin. The product labels for TRESemmé do not provide warnings disclosing that the shampoo products contain DMDM.

Frequently Asked Questions About the TRESemmé Lawsuit and Hair Loss Claims

What is the basis of the TRESemmé lawsuit?

The TRESemmé lawsuit alleges that certain TRESemmé shampoo products contain DMDM hydantoin, a preservative that releases formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can cause scalp irritation, allergic reactions, and hair loss. Consumers argue that Unilever, the maker of TRESemmé shampoo, failed to properly warn about the risks associated with DMDM hydantoin, despite knowing about its potential dangers for years.

Does TRESemmé shampoo cause hair loss?

Lawsuits claim that TRESemmé shampoo causes hair loss due to its formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. While Unilever maintains that its products are safe, plaintiffs in the TRESemmé hair loss lawsuit have reported significant hair thinning, breakage, and scalp damage after prolonged use. Some consumers have also experienced scalp irritation, redness, and inflammation, which may contribute to hair loss.

Has there been a TRESemmé class action lawsuit?

Yes, multiple lawsuits, including at least one TRESemmé class action lawsuit, have been filed against Unilever over its shampoo products. These lawsuits seek compensation for consumers who experienced hair loss or scalp damage after using TRESemmé shampoo. While a TRESemmé lawsuit update is expected as litigation progresses, no major settlements have been announced as of 2024.

Has Unilever changed the formula of TRESemmé shampoo?

Following concerns over DMDM hydantoin, Unilever announced in 2021 that it would reformulate its products to remove formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. As of July 2022, TRESemmé products sold in the U.S. no longer contain DMDM hydantoin. However, Unilever did not issue a recall, meaning older products with DMDM hydantoin may still be in circulation.

Is there evidence linking TRESemmé to cancer?

Concerns have been raised about whether TRESemmé shampoo causes cancer due to the presence of formaldehyde-releasing chemicals. While the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen, no definitive studies have linked TRESemmé products to cancer in consumers. However, lawsuits argue that the presence of potentially hazardous chemicals in a daily-use personal care product raises serious safety concerns.

Are other shampoo brands facing lawsuits for hair loss?

Yes, shampoo lawsuits alleging hair loss and scalp irritation are not limited to TRESemmé. Several shampoo hair loss lawsuits have been filed against brands that contain DMDM hydantoin or other harsh preservatives. Consumers have increasingly questioned the safety of mainstream hair care products, leading to class action lawsuits against multiple brands:

  • Unilever’s Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion line was recalled in 2012 following complaints of hair loss and scalp irritation, leading to a $10.2 million settlement in 2014.

  • Johnson & Johnson has also been sued over its OGX shampoo products, which reportedly contained DMDM hydantoin. Consumers alleged that the company continued to use the ingredient despite knowing its potential risks.

  • WEN by Chaz Dean faced a class-action lawsuit in 2016, settling for $26 million after consumers reported hair loss and scalp irritation, though the specific ingredient causing these issues was not identified.

  • Mielle Organics has come under scrutiny, with consumers alleging hair damage and loss, particularly after the brand’s acquisition by P&G Beauty in January 2023. Investigations are ongoing, and the company maintains that no formula changes have been made (no lawsuit has been filed yet)

What damages were plaintiffs seeking in the TRESemmé lawsuit?

Individuals involved in the TRESemmé lawsuit are seeking compensation for:

  • Medical expenses related to hair loss or scalp treatment
  • Pain and suffering from emotional distress caused by hair damage
  • Refunds for the cost of TRESemmé shampoo products
  • Punitive damages against Unilever for allegedly misleading consumers about product safety
What should I do if I believe TRESemmé shampoo caused my hair loss?

If you suspect that a TRESemmé product caused hair loss, scalp irritation, or other adverse effects, you should:

  • Discontinue use immediately and switch to a formaldehyde-free alternative
  • Document your symptoms by taking photos and keeping track of any hair loss
  • Consult a dermatologist to assess scalp damage and potential treatments
  • Check for ongoing shampoo class action lawsuits to see if you may be eligible for compensation

TRESemmé Hair Loss Lawsuit

Unilever is now being sued by consumers alleging that they suffered hair loss and other issues from the harmful chemicals in TRESemmé shampoo products. The most recent TRESemmé hair loss lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey by a Pennsylvania woman named Holly Schafer.

The lawsuit alleges that Unilever’s TRESemmé shampoo products are falsely and misleadingly marketed nationwide with claims on the labeling such as “deeply nourish,” “gently cleanse,” and “repair hair.” However, the lawsuit asserts that customers are exposed to DMDM hydantoin ingredients, which may lead to hair loss, allergic reactions, or irritation of the skin and scalp.

While formaldehyde-releasers are commonly used in shampoo and conditioner to prevent microbial growth in water-based products, the lawsuit argues that there are safer alternatives to DMDM hydantoin. Specifically, it cites the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifying formaldehyde as a human carcinogen and the National Toxicology Program of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) identifying formaldehyde as a known carcinogen to humans.

The lawsuit points out that over the last 10 years, many companies have removed formaldehyde donors like DMDM from their cosmetics and shampoos. For instance, in 2012, Johnson & Johnson announced that it would “remove a host of potentially harmful chemicals, like formaldehyde, from its line of consumer products by the end of 2015.” Other manufacturers also removed DMDM from their personal care products, including shampoos, choosing instead to replace DMDM with a safer alternative, such as sodium benzoate. Likewise, in 2017, CVS Health announced that it would be removing “parabens, phthalates and the most prevalent formaldehyde donors (preservative ingredients that can release formaldehyde over time) from our store brand CVS Health, Beauty 360, Essence of Beauty, and Blade product lines” and that it planned to stop “shipping products that don’t meet these standards to our distribution centers by the end of 2019.”

The plaintiff, Ms. Schafer, claims to have experienced hair loss, thinning hair, and scalp irritation while using TRESemmé shampoo products. By 2021, she alleges experiencing abnormal hair loss, with clumps falling out after using these products, leading her to discontinue their use.

The lawsuit contends that Unilever has failed to warn customers adequately about the use of DMDM in its products, despite knowing about the associated side effects and risks to consumers’ hair and scalp for over a decade.

The TRESemmé shampoo lawsuit brings forth claims of manufacturing defects, design defects, failure to provide adequate warning, and negligence against Unilever. It seeks a jury trial to determine both compensatory and punitive damages.

Alternatives to DMDM Hydantoin in Personal Care Products

Consumers looking to avoid DMDM hydantoin and its associated risks can opt for products that use alternative preservatives such as sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, or other non-formaldehyde-releasing agents. Additionally, many companies have begun phasing out DMDM hydantoin and similar ingredients in favor of safer options. Reading product labels carefully and consulting databases like the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database can help consumers make informed choices.

Is DMDM Hydantoin Safe?

While regulatory bodies and industry specialists maintain that DMDM hydantoin is safe in small amounts for regular use, concerns persist, particularly for individuals who may be more sensitive to formaldehyde exposure. Jurisdictions such as California and Maryland have taken proactive steps by banning products with excessive levels of formaldehyde, pushing manufacturers to adopt safer formulations. The ongoing lawsuits against DMDM hydantoin highlight a growing demand for transparency and safer ingredients in personal care products, urging consumers to remain vigilant about the chemicals in the items they use daily.

Timeline of the TRESemmé Hair Loss Lawsuits and Related Events

2012 – Initial Lawsuits Filed

Consumers file lawsuits against Unilever over its Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion 30 Day Smoothing Kit, alleging that DMDM hydantoin caused hair loss and scalp irritation.

The lawsuits, including Reid v. Unilever United States, Inc., claim that Unilever falsely advertised the product as formaldehyde-free and failed to warn consumers about potential risks.

Unilever recalls the Suave Keratin Kit following customer complaints.

Unilever ultimately settles the lawsuits, agreeing to pay $10.25 million in damages.

2013 – 2020: Consumer Complaints Grow

Consumers begin posting complaints online, including on Amazon and product review sites, alleging that TRESemmé shampoo causes hair loss, thinning, and scalp irritation.

Various consumers report chunks of hair falling out, itching, and allergic reactions, yet Unilever continues to sell TRESemmé products containing DMDM hydantoin.

Other cosmetic companies, such as Johnson & Johnson and CVS remove DMDM hydantoin from their shampoos and beauty products due to safety concerns.

Despite growing concerns and lawsuits against formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, Unilever continues using DMDM hydantoin in TRESemmé products.

2020 – Lawsuits Begin
  • A soon-to-be class action lead plaintiff purchases TRESemmé shampoo and experiences hair loss, scalp irritation, and thinning hair.
  • After noticing severe hair loss, she discontinues the use of TRESemmé products.
  • Other lawsuits are filed against Unilever, alleging that TRESemmé shampoo causes hair loss and that the company failed to warn consumers.
May 19, 2021 – Major Lawsuit Filed
  • Plaintiff files a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Unilever United States, Inc.
  • The TRESemmé lawsuit alleges negligence, manufacturing defects, design defects, and failure to provide adequate warnings.
  • The complaint cites past litigation, online consumer complaints, and research showing that DMDM hydantoin is linked to dermatitis, allergic reactions, and hair loss.The lawsuit argues that Unilever knowingly sold a harmful product despite safer alternatives being available.
July 2021 – Unilever Removes DMDM Hydantoin
  • Unilever announces it will remove DMDM hydantoin from all of its U.S. hair care products, including TRESemmé shampoo.
  • Despite reformulating its products, Unilever does not issue a recall for previously sold products containing DMDM hydantoin.
2021 – 2023: Legal Battles Continue
  • Additional lawsuits and class action claims against TRESemmé shampoo continue, with consumers seeking compensation for damages.
  • Legal experts analyze whether Unilever’s failure to recall older TRESemmé products could increase liability in ongoing and future lawsuits.
  • Plaintiffs argue that Unilever had knowledge of DMDM hydantoin’s risks for years but failed to act until legal pressure mounted.
2024 – Present: Ongoing Litigation
  • Concerns about RESemmé hair loss continues. Some cases may result in settlements or class action certifications, while others may proceed to trial.
  • Our law firm make clear we are not handling these lawsuits yet we continue to get calls from frustrated victims looking for somewhere to turn.

Hiring a Lawyer for Your Claim

Our law firm is not currently handling lawsuits related to TRESemmé products or DMDM hydantoin. However, we believe in empowering consumers with information to help them make informed decisions about their rights and the products they use.

This page was created to provide a comprehensive overview of the allegations and concerns surrounding TRESemmé products and the potential risks of certain ingredients, such as DMDM hydantoin. Our lawyers recognize the importance of transparency in the personal care industry and aim to equip consumers with knowledge about ongoing litigation, product safety, and alternatives.

If you have been impacted by issues related to TRESemmé or similar products, we encourage you to consult with an attorney who specializes in product liability cases for personalized legal guidance. While we are not currently representing clients in these lawsuits, we will continue to update this page with relevant information as it becomes available. Our goal is to keep you informed and support consumer awareness and safety.

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