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Consumers Filed Lawsuit Against Unilever Over Hair Loss

Six plaintiffs allege TRESemmé products caused hair loss through a formaldehyde-releasing preservative.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Consumer Goods

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Six consumers filed a lawsuit against Unilever in New Jersey, alleging that TRESemmé hair products containing DMDM hydantoin cause hair loss. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In July 2026, six consumers filed a lawsuit against Unilever in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey regarding TRESemmé hair products. The plaintiffs allege the company included the chemical DMDM hydantoin in formulas without proper disclosure.

Why it matters

The case raises concerns over the use of DMDM hydantoin, a preservative intended to prevent mold in shower-stored products, which plaintiffs claim is linked to adverse hair loss experiences. Plaintiffs assert that Unilever continued to use the ingredient despite awareness of numerous prior consumer complaints.

The lawsuit identifies the case as Kinney et al. v. Conopco Inc. d/b/a Unilever Home & Personal Care USA. DMDM hydantoin is a regulated preservative currently permitted in specified amounts in various consumer hair products.

The players

Unilever

Unilever is a multinational consumer goods company that produces a wide range of personal care products, including the TRESemmé brand.

U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

This federal court is the venue where the most recent lawsuit against Unilever regarding product ingredients is currently pending.

The details

The complaint alleges that Unilever failed to warn users about the presence of the formaldehyde-releasing chemical in its products. This litigation follows a pattern of legal challenges against the manufacturer concerning ingredient safety that dates back over a decade.

Timeline

  1. Litigation involving Unilever and DMDM hydantoin first emerged in 2012.

  2. A separate lawsuit against Unilever was filed in the Northern District of Illinois in 2020.

  3. A lawsuit regarding DMDM hydantoin was filed against OGX in 2021.

  4. The most recent complaint was filed in July 2026.

Market Landscape

This case mirrors previous legal challenges targeting the use of specific preservatives across the hair care industry. Such litigation highlights ongoing tensions between manufacturers using cost-effective stabilizing agents and rising consumer demands for product transparency.

Consumers who use TRESemmé products may choose to review ingredient labels for DMDM hydantoin as litigation over the substance continues. Those concerned about hair health can consult with dermatologists or healthcare providers regarding ingredients in their personal care routines.

The takeaway

Product liability cases regarding cosmetic ingredients often revolve around the transparency of chemical disclosures versus industry standard usage. Consumers should remain aware of listed ingredients and report any persistent adverse reactions to medical professionals.

Further reading

Learn more about industry regulations and standards in the Consumer Goods sector.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.

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