Minnesota Sues L'Oréal Over Hair Relaxer Cancer Risks
The state attorney general alleges the company marketed chemical products to Black women without disclosing serious health dangers.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Cancer
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The Minnesota Attorney General has filed a consumer-protection lawsuit against L'Oréal, alleging the company marketed chemical hair relaxers to Black women and girls while omitting known cancer risks. The complaint asserts that the company engaged in deceptive trade practices and false advertising regarding product safety.
Why it matters
The legal action seeks to hold the company accountable for allegedly misleading consumers about the health consequences of its products. Minnesota authorities aim to obtain consumer restitution and secure an injunction to force the inclusion of adequate health warnings on packaging.
A recent lawsuit cites scientific research showing a 71% increased risk of thyroid cancer and a 166% increased risk of pancreatic cancer tied to frequent use of chemical relaxers. These findings are based on studies linking usage frequency to health outcomes.
The players
Minnesota Attorney General
This state office is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws and representing the public interest in legal matters.
L'Oréal
The multinational personal care company produces various beauty products, including the hair relaxer brands named in the lawsuit.
The details
The lawsuit targets brands including Dark and Lovely, Optimum, and Mizani, claiming the company marketed these items as safe and nourishing while hiding links to uterine and ovarian cancer. The state alleges the company failed to provide necessary safety disclosures for its chemical products.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: The Minnesota Attorney General filed the consumer-protection lawsuit against L'Oréal.
Health Landscape
This litigation follows the regulatory framework established by Minnesota's consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices statutes. It marks a significant effort to enforce safety disclosure standards within the personal care industry.
Consumers who use chemical hair relaxers should be aware of the alleged health risks involving uterine, ovarian, pancreatic, and thyroid cancers. The lawsuit highlights the importance of scrutinizing ingredients in personal care products for potential long-term health implications.
The takeaway
Consumers are encouraged to review ingredient lists on personal care products and consult with healthcare providers about potential chemical exposures. Increased awareness of industry safety standards can help individuals make more informed decisions regarding their long-term health.
Further reading
For more information on legal developments in the industry, visit the Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul.
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