Glyoxylic acid used to straighten hair

Glyoxylic acid-based cosmetic products for hair straightening

Glyoxylic acid is an ingredient used in cosmetic products for straightening hair, also known as ‘Brazilian straightening’.

Cases of acute renal failure occurring a few hours after exposure to the product have recently been reported in Europe. The reported symptoms include nausea, vomiting and back pain.

You can check whether or not a cosmetic product contains glyoxylic acid by reading the list of ingredients included in the labelling.

What to do if you suspect the occurrence of an undesirable effect

• Stop using the cosmetic product in question immediately and consult a doctor if necessary.
  
  
• Report the undesirable effect or serious undesirable effect to the responsible person named on the label and/or to us using the undesirable effect report form (Word, 79 Kb), specifying the requested information.