The FDA Missed Its Own Deadline to Ban Formaldehyde

Written By Clean Beauty Coalition

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) missed its self-imposed deadline to propose a ban on formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in hair-straightening products. The deadline passed without action — meaning products known to release a carcinogenic gas when heated remain legally sold and used across the United States.

“This is not a technical oversight. This is a regulatory failure with real consequences for public health.” - Amber Makupson, Founder, Clean Beauty Coalition

What Is Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas commonly used in industrial manufacturing and chemical preservation. In the context of beauty and personal care products, formaldehyde may appear in two ways:

  1. As formaldehyde itself, or

  2. As a formaldehyde-releasing chemical — substances that release formaldehyde gas when heated or over time.

Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen by multiple authoritative bodies, including:

  • The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

  • The U.S. National Toxicology Program

  • The American Cancer Society

There is no dispute in the scientific community about its cancer risk.

How Formaldehyde Is Used in Hair Straightening Products

Some hair-straightening, smoothing, and keratin treatments rely on formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing chemicals to temporarily alter the structure of hair.

When these products are applied and heat is used — often with a flat iron — formaldehyde gas is released into the air. This creates an inhalation exposure risk for:

  • Consumers

  • Salon workers

  • Anyone else present in the space

The FDA has acknowledged that these products can release unsafe levels of formaldehyde during normal use, particularly in poorly ventilated environments.

Health Risks of Formaldehyde Exposure

Short-Term Effects

Exposure to formaldehyde vapors can cause:

  • Burning of the eyes, nose, and throat

  • Coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness

  • Headaches and nausea

  • Skin irritation and allergic reactions

  • Asthma exacerbation

These symptoms are frequently reported by salon workers and clients during or after hair straightening treatments.

Long-Term and Cancer Risks

Long-term or repeated exposure is associated with:

  • Nasopharyngeal cancer

  • Leukemia

  • Chronic respiratory disease

In addition, a landmark National Institutes of Health (NIH) study found that frequent use of chemical hair straighteners was associated with a significantly increased risk of uterine cancer — raising urgent concerns about cumulative exposure from beauty products used over time.

Why the FDA’s Missed Deadline Matters

The FDA previously announced plans to propose a rule banning formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in hair straightening products. The agency set a deadline for itself to take this action.

That deadline passed.

There are no automatic penalties when the FDA misses a self-imposed rulemaking deadline. As a result:

  • Products remain on shelves

  • Workers remain exposed

  • Consumers remain unprotected

Delays in cosmetic regulation are not new — but when the risk involves a known carcinogen, delay becomes neglect.

A Disproportionate Impact on Women and Workers

Hair straightening products are overwhelmingly marketed to and used by women. Salon workers — many of whom are women of color — experience repeated occupational exposure, often daily.

Research consistently shows that Black women are exposed to higher levels of potentially harmful chemicals through personal care products due to patterns of marketing, formulation, and cultural pressure around hair norms.

When federal regulators delay action on products that disproportionately impact these communities, the consequences are not evenly distributed.

Why Formaldehyde Should Be Banned in Hair Products

A ban is not radical — it is evidence-based.

Banning formaldehyde in hair straighteners would:

  • Eliminate exposure to a known carcinogen in a non-essential product category

  • Protect salon workers from chronic inhalation risks

  • Improve transparency by closing loopholes that allow “formaldehyde-free” labeling while still releasing formaldehyde

  • Align U.S. cosmetic standards with stronger international safety frameworks

No consumer should have to choose between beauty and health.

What Consumers Can Do Right Now

Until federal protections are in place:

  • Be cautious of hair straightening or smoothing treatments that require heat

  • Understand that “formaldehyde-free” does not always mean safe

  • Ask salons about ventilation and product ingredients

  • Support policies and organizations advocating for stronger cosmetic safety laws

Clean Beauty Coalition’s Position

At the Clean Beauty Coalition, we believe:

  • Known carcinogens do not belong in beauty products

  • Regulatory delays have real health consequences

  • Public health protections must reflect modern science — not outdated laws

The FDA’s missed deadline is more than a missed date on a calendar. It is a reminder that cosmetic safety reform is overdue — and that continued inaction leaves too many people at risk.

We will continue to advocate for science-based, equitable policies that protect consumers and workers alike.

Sources & References

Clean Beauty Coalition

The Clean Beauty Coalition led by Amber Makupson, is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that aims to eliminate toxic chemicals from beauty and personal care products, particularly those that disproportionately affect women and children of color. The organization advocates for ingredient transparency, policy reform, and health equity.

Mission and goals

Driven by research highlighting toxic ingredients in products marketed to Black women, the coalition works to create a safer, more equitable, and sustainable beauty industry through several initiatives. These include advocating for regulatory changes, educating consumers about harmful ingredients, holding brands and retailers accountable for providing clean products, offering a certification program to help brands comply with regulations like MOCRA, and partnering with brands focused on sustainability.

http://cleanbeautycoalition.org
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