Suave Hair Products Allegedly Contain Ingredient That Causes Hair Loss and Scalp Irritation

According to a recent class action lawsuit, DMDM hydantoin was found in Suave Professionals shampoo and conditioner. It is a chemical that has been linked to hair loss and scalp irritation, as well as the production of toxins known to cause cancer in humans.

The Plaintiff’s Decision

Plaintiff Deanna Lewakowski filed the nationwide class action lawsuit in Illinois on June 18. She alleges that Unilever, the maker of Suave hair products, purposely used the hazardous component for more than a decade. It is considered as a conflict with the company’s statement that its products are safe and healthy.

In addition to the lawsuit, Unilever misled customers into believing that Suave shampoos could nurture and restore hair and could primarily assist in preventing hair loss. However, one of the main ingredients in Suave Professionals, which is DMDM hydantoin, has been linked to hair loss and scalp irritation.

Suave hair products could neither restore, smoothen, nor mend hair for Plaintiff and Class Members. Rather, the products contained DMDM hydantoin, exposing Plaintiff and at least thousands of customers to the risk of allergic reactions, scalp and/or skin irritation, and hair loss.

Deanna Lewakowski v. Unilever United States, Inc. et al.

As per Lewakowski, she ordered the Suave shampoo and conditioner upon reading Unilever’s claim that the products clean, repair, smoothens, and nourishes the hair.

The class action lawsuit states that Plaintiff experienced irritation, scalp itching, and increased hair loss shortly after using the products. Moreover, Lewakowski had never suffered scalp irritation or hair loss prior to using the products.

Aside from scalp irritation, she reported a seemingly red and dry scalp, along with a burning sensation as a result of using the Suave Professionals products. Plaintiff’s scalp would remain red, hot, and itchy for up to seven hours, the lawsuit states.

After using the products for less than 2 months, Plaintiff’s hair turned dry, brittle, and breaks off easily. She claims that when she discarded the products, the irritations progressively subsided and eventually disappeared.

Moreover, the claim states that the products caused thousands of customers to suffer hair loss and scalp irritation due to the presence of DMDM hydantoin. The substance is a major source of formaldehyde, which may be absorbed via the skin. Furthermore, it has been connected to severe skin reactions and cancer.

Unilever failed in its obligations to provide sufficient information by underplaying, bending, and concealing the safety and risk of the use of their products. Moreover, it continued to do so even after being aware of the hazards, just to construct false knowledge that there is little to no risk of harm from using its products.

The Verdict

According to the class action lawsuit, Unilever has been aware for more than a decade of the risks associated with the ingredient but has just recently redesigned the products to eliminate it in response to the demand.

The company is fully aware that numerous synthetic and natural preservatives can be used in place of DMDM hydantoin in cosmetics. Still, they continued to use it.

Plaintiff has suffered substantial damages, including economic damages, as a result of Defendants’ misinformation. Further, she is suing on behalf of a global, multi-state, and Illinois Class of customers, alleging violations of consumer fraud laws, fraud, and unjust enrichment. 

Lewakowski is requesting class certification, compensation, injunction, legal fees, interest, and damages, as well as a jury trial.

Unilever is facing other class action lawsuits in addition to Lewakowski’s. Last May, they faced a class action complaint alleging that it misleads customers by marketing its Men+Care Dove deodorant as “anti-stain” when it actually leaves white and yellow stains on users’ clothing.

Editor’s Note on Suave Shampoo & Conditioner Class Action Lawsuit 2021:

This article is written to inform you regarding the recent class action lawsuit filed against Unilever when DMDM hydantoin was found in their Suave Professionals shampoo and conditioner. 

Case Name & No.: Deanna Lewakowski v. Unilever United States, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-03276

Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court – Northern District of Illinois

Products/Services: Suave Professionals shampoo and conditioner

Allegations: DMDM hydantoin was allegedly found in Suave Professionals shampoo and conditioner

Status: Pending

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