Olaplex Lawsuit: The brand That Misguided Women for Hair Loss Treatment

The Olaplex Lawsuit sees hair loss, scalp irritation, and questions about safety among women. Around 28 to 30 women sued the hair care brand Olaplex. They claimed that the products’ use resulted in blisters, hair loss, and other ailments.

Olaplex, a popular haircare brand known for its bond-building technology, has come under fire in recent months following a Olaplex lawsuit alleging that its products cause hair loss, scalp irritation, and other problems.

Let’s dive deeper into this article.

The Allegations

The lawsuit against Olaplex centers on several key allegations:

• Hair Loss and Scalp Irritation: A number of customers have come forward alleging that Olaplex products caused them to experience hair loss and scalp irritation. The lawsuit includes photos showing hair loss in women who claim it happened after using Olaplex.
• Undisclosed Ingredients: The lawsuit alleges that Olaplex products contain undisclosed ingredients that have been banned by the European Union due to safety concerns.

The Olaplex Lawsuit targets two ingredients found in Olaplex products—lilial and panthenol—that the plaintiffs claim may cause hair loss and scalp problems.

Small amounts of Lilial were previously used as a fragrance in Olaplex’s No. 3 Hair Perfector. Lilial was banned in March 2022 after the European Commission of the EU categorized it as a “reprotoxic” chemical in 2020 that negatively impacts fetal development and fertility. The scent was also banned in 2022.

In January 2022, Olaplex stated that they had removed lilial from the product globally, but reports turned out to be false.

• Deceptive Marketing: The lawsuit also claims that Olaplex fails to disclose that influencers who promote their products are paid to do so.

The Olaplex Lawsuit, filed last week in a Californian district court, got certain claims from women –

• “have lost most or all of their hair, leaving bald patches in some cases.”
• “The hair appeared dull, frizzy, dry, and brittle.”
• “A few of us have had severe rashes, open sores, burning, yeast infections, and bacterial infections.”

In total, they are requesting damages of $75,000 (£62,200).

These allegations have sent shockwaves through the haircare community, with many consumers questioning the safety of Olaplex products they’ve been using for years.

Olaplex’s Response

Olaplex has vehemently denied the allegations in the Olaplex Lawsuit, asserting that their products are safe and undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and efficacy. They point to scientific evidence supporting their claims that Olaplex products help restore and strengthen hair.

“We are prepared to vigorously defend our company, our brand, and our products against these baseless accusations,” it said in a statement on Instagram.

The company has also addressed the concerns regarding undisclosed ingredients, stating that the ingredient in question was eliminated from their formulas before the European Union ban.

Regarding influencer marketing practices, celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Drew Barrymore has supported the company.

The company’s CEO JuE Wong said on Twitter that hair loss was a painful topic “however for our products this is not true“.

The FDA Investigation

Based on publicly available information, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received 98 negative reports regarding the company’s products so far. However, they haven’t been able to definitively establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the products and the reported Olaplex Lawsuit issues.

The FDA’s ability to regulate personal care products is restricted, according to Genevieve Kanter, an associate professor at USC’s Sol Price School of Public Policy.

“Products do not have to go to the FDA first before they go on the market because there is no pre-approval,” she stated. The FDA may then take action if something goes wrong. In other words, it basically depends on the manufacturers making a safe product.”

Unanswered Questions and Moving Forward

The Olaplex lawsuit is ongoing, and it will likely take some time before the legal issues are resolved. In the meantime, several questions remain unanswered:

• What scientific evidence does Olaplex have to support the safety and efficacy of their products?
• Did Olaplex adequately disclose the removal of the ingredient flagged by the European Union?
• Does Olaplex pay influencers to promote their products, and if so, is this disclosed appropriately?

These are crucial questions that need to be addressed to restore consumer confidence in Olaplex.

What Consumers Can Do

If you’re concerned about the safety of Olaplex products, here are some steps you can take:

• Consult a dermatologist: Discuss your haircare routine with a dermatologist, especially if you have any underlying scalp conditions. They can advise you on the best products for your individual needs.
• Research ingredients: Familiarize yourself with the ingredients in Olaplex products and research any that raise concerns.
• Patch test: Before using any new haircare product, conduct a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for allergic reactions.
• Consider alternative haircare: Explore other haircare brands that cater to your specific hair type and concerns. There are many reputable companies offering safe and effective haircare products.

Conclusion: Additional Considerations

• It’s important to note that the lawsuit against Olaplex only represents allegations, and the company maintains their products are safe.
• New regulations from the FDA may lead to stricter oversight of the cosmetics industry in the future.
• When choosing haircare products, prioritize your individual needs and consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice.

This article provides an in-depth perspective on the Olaplex lawsuit. Now make informed choices about your haircare routine.