Arizona Sues L’oréal Over Cancer Risks in Hair Relaxers

Arizona has become the first U.S. state to file a fraud lawsuit against L'oréal over alleged cancer risks linked to chemical hair relaxers, escalating legal pressure on cosmetics manufacturers. The state-level action marks a shift from individual consumer claims into state enforcement over marketing practices.

"L’oréal knew or should have known about the dangers associated with these toxic hair straightening products," said Kris Mayes, Arizona Attorney General, in a statement regarding the filing. "Yet, instead of warning their consumers, they put profits over the safety of women and children."

Details of the State Court Filing

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed the fraud lawsuit on Sept. 10 in state court, targeting L’oréal USA, its parent company L’oréal S.A., and subsidiary SoftSheen. The complaint alleges that the cosmetics company concealed health hazards associated with its chemical hair straightening products.

The legal action follows scientific research concerning chemical relaxers. The lawsuits stem from a 2022 study by the National Institutes of Health, which found that women who reported using hair-straightening products more than four times in the previous year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer.

Broader Federal Litigation

While Arizona is the first state to launch a direct enforcement action, L’oréal faces more than 12,000 similar lawsuits filed by individual women and their families. These private claims have been consolidated in federal court in Chicago as part of a multidistrict litigation proceeding.

What Is at Stake for Cosmetics Manufacturers

The introduction of state-level fraud enforcement broadens the legal exposure for personal care companies beyond private tort claims. State attorneys general possess investigative powers and civil penalty authorities under consumer protection statutes that differ from private class actions, potentially setting a precedent for other states to pursue similar litigation over chemical exposures in consumer goods.