FDA Misses Deadline to Ban Formaldehyde in Hair Straighteners

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has again missed a deadline to propose a ban on chemicals in hair-straightening products that may pose a serious cancer risk.

Its target date for the proposed rule on formaldehyde was December 31. No action has yet been taken.

An FDA spokesperson said the rule is still in the works.

“FDA’s proposed rule, ‘Use of Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Chemicals as an Ingredient in Hair Smoothing Products or Hair Straightening Products’ continues to remain a priority for the Agency,” a spokesperson told CNN in an email.

“FDA may adjust the anticipated publication date of this and other proposed rules when appropriate,” the spokesperson said.

This is not the first delay. The FDA first planned to release the rule in October 2023.

“That timeline was later moved to April 2024, then November 2024, March 2025, July 2025 and now December 31, 2025,” David Andrews, acting chief science officer of the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, told CNN.

“Formaldehyde is a well-established carcinogen that can also cause respiratory irritation, skin sensitization and other adverse health effects such as an increased risk of asthma,” Andrews added. “Every delay directly puts at risk the health of salon workers and consumers, particularly Black women, who are disproportionately exposed to harmful chemicals in personal care products.”

Formaldehyde and chemicals that release it when heated are often found in hair-smoothing and straightening treatments. These products are widely used and heavily marketed to Black women.

In 2021, salon workers and advocacy groups asked the FDA to ban formaldehyde in these products. While the agency later said it was considering a ban, no rule has been officially proposed.

There is no legal penalty for missing the deadline.

“Because this is not a legally mandated deadline, there are no formal consequences if it is missed,” Andrews said.

“Every day these products stay on the market further undermines public confidence in the FDA’s ability to safeguard health,” he added.

Scientists have linked hair-straightening products to higher risks of uterine, ovarian and breast cancers as well as uterine fibroids.

Fibroids are growths in the uterus that can cause pain, heavy bleeding, anemia, infertility and pregnancy problems.

Research shows that Black women are up to three times more likely than white women to develop fibroids.

“Several epidemiologic studies, including work conducted by my colleagues and myself, have raised concerns about associations between frequent use of chemical hair straighteners and increased risks of uterine fibroids, infertility and hormone-related cancers, including uterine, ovarian and breast cancers,” Lauren Wise, a professor at Boston University School of Public Health, told CNN in an email.

In a 2025 study, Wise found that recent use of temporary hair relaxers was more strongly linked to fibroid growth than permanent ones.

“This is informative because temporary hair relaxers are suspected to contain more formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals than permanent relaxers,” she said.

These concerns are significant in the context of racial differences in exposure, Wise said. Use of hair relaxers is far more common among women of color, especially Black women, and they often begin using them at younger ages and continue over many years.

“There is no safe level of exposure in consumer products that are heated and inhaled, particularly in occupational settings such as hair salons,” Wise said.

Several lawmakers have urged the FDA to act, including U.S. Reps. Shontel Brown of Ohio; Nydia Velázquez of New York; and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts. The three are Democrats.

“This is really simple to me. Do we care about Black women getting cancer or do we not? Every action, or inaction, on this issue flows from that question – and we can see how people are answering,” Brown told CNN in an email.

“I’m beyond frustrated, because we’ve written letters, we’ve spoken out, we’ve filed legislation. There is a mountain of evidence that hair products being marketed to us everyday are harmful – so let’s do the right thing and get them off the shelves,” she said. “The FDA owes the American people an explanation for these continued delays.”

What You Can Do To Protect Yourself

1. Identify and Avoid Harmful Ingredients

Because many products are marketed as “formaldehyde-free” but contain chemicals that release formaldehyde when heated, you have to look deeper at the ingredient list. Avoid products containing:

Formaldehyde (also labeled as formalin or methylene glycol).
Formaldehyde-releasers: DMDM hydantoin, glyoxal, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, and quaternium-15.
Endocrine Disruptors: Parabens, phthalates (often listed as “fragrance” or “parfum”), and placental extracts.

2. Transition to Safer Styling Alternatives

If you are looking to reduce exposure, consider these alternatives:

Heat-Based Styling: Using a silk press or professional blowout provides a straight look without the chemical bonds of a relaxer, though it requires heat protectant.
Natural Textures: Embracing natural coils and curls completely eliminates the risk of exposure to these specific carcinogens.
Safer Smoothing Treatments: Look for treatments that use glyoxylic acid or cysteine, which are generally considered lower-risk alternatives to formaldehyde-based keratin treatments (though always check for “hidden” formaldehyde).

3. Protective Measures at the Salon

If you choose to continue using chemical straighteners, take steps to minimize inhalation and absorption:

Ventilation is Key: Ensure the salon has high-quality air filtration or open windows. Formaldehyde is a gas that is released when the product is flat-ironed.
Scalp Health: Never apply relaxers or straighteners if your scalp is irritated or scratched, as this increases the rate of chemical absorption into the bloodstream.
Frequency: Limit treatments to fewer than four times per year to stay below the threshold identified in high-risk studies.

4. Prioritize Preventative Screenings

Because of the linked risks to uterine fibroids and hormone-related cancers, stay proactive with your healthcare provider:

Fibroid Checks: Since Black women are three times more likely to develop fibroids, ask for a pelvic ultrasound if you experience heavy periods, pelvic pain, or frequent urination.
Cancer Screenings: Ensure you are up to date on your annual well-woman exams. Mention your history of hair product use to your doctor so they can monitor for early signs of uterine or ovarian issues.

5. Take Advocacy Action

The FDA’s delay is partly due to a lack of sustained public pressure. You can:

Report Adverse Events: Use the FDA’s MedWatch portal to report any scalp burns, hair loss, or health issues following a hair treatment. This creates a paper trail the agency cannot ignore.
Use Consumer Apps: Use apps like EWG’s Healthy Living or Think Dirty to scan hair products in the aisle before you buy them.