After several cases of acute kidney failure following Brazilian straightening, health authorities advise against using the product containing glyoxylic acid.
- ANSES has received four reports of acute kidney failure after the use of Brazilian straightening products containing glyoxylic acid since the start of the year.
- ANSES has launched an investigation into this product.
- Pending the conclusions, it is not recommended to use the product.
If you are a fan of Brazilian straightening, be careful. Products used to straighten hair containing glyoxylic acid are not recommended, as they are suspected of being harmful to the kidneys.
This warning was issued by ANSES on October 16, 2024.
Glyoxylic acid: 4 cases of kidney failure since the start of the year
“As part of its cosmetovigilance missions, ANSES has received since the start of the year four reports of acute kidney failure following the application of so-called “Brazilian smoothing” products containing glyoxylic acid”explains the health agency in a press release.
The poisoned people were taken care of and recovered after being treated. However, faced with these worrying cases, Anse launched “an inventory of knowledge on the renal toxicity of glyoxylic acid in hair application”. This work aims, among other things, to assess the potential risk of the product and review European regulatory provisions so that the use of the substance in cosmetic products is better regulated, if necessary.
While awaiting the conclusions of ANSES, the General Directorate for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Repression (DGCCRF) and the General Directorate for Health (DGS) call on hairdressing professionals as well as users to Be careful with straightening products containing glyoxylic acid and advise against their use.
Kidney failure after Brazilian straightening: how to react?
Upon adverse exposure to glyoxylic acid, signs of kidney failure appear within just a few hours. Patients present with abdominal or lower back pain, nausea and/or vomiting.
“If such symptoms appear, consult a doctor or call a poison control center promptly, indicating the use of a straightening product”explains ANSES.
ANSES, the DGCCRF and the DGS are not the only ones to be concerned about the toxic effects of glyoxylic acid on the kidneys. Last June, the National Academy of Medicine also warned about the risks of chemical hair straightening.
The Federation of Beauty Companies (FEBEA) reacted after the ANSES press release. “Although suspicions have been raised regarding the toxicity of glyoxylic acid, particularly in certain hair straightening products, current evidence does not allow definitive conclusions to be drawn”assures the professional union then adding that “cosmetics companies are fully committed to a process of transparency with the authorities and consumers.”
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