Queen Creek, Arizona — The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has initiated legal action against cosmetic manufacturer L'Oréal USA, Inc., its parent entity, and Softsheen, alleging the companies violated state consumer protection statutes by marketing chemical hair straightening goods without disclosing documented health hazards.
Queen Creek is a town of approximately 76,000 residents situated in southeastern Maricopa and northern Pinal counties, about 35 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix.
According to the civil complaint filed in state court, the targeted products rely on strongly alkaline formulations designed to alter keratin bonds in human hair. State prosecutors assert that these formulations contain or generate hazardous substances during normal application, including endocrine disruptors, phthalates, and parabens associated with elevated risks of uterine, ovarian, and other hormonal cancers.
"L'Oréal knew or should have known about the dangers associated with these toxic hair straightening products," Attorney General Kris Mayes said in announcing the litigation. "Yet, instead of warning their consumers, they put profits over the safety of women and children. That is unacceptable and we will hold them accountable for it."
