"Cautioning Against Using Formol as a Hairstyling Solution"
In a recent safety report published on Monday, July 7, Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) highlighted the potential dangers associated with hair straighteners containing prohibited substances such as formaldehyde (formol) and glycolic acid.
The agency emphasised that the use of these substances as hair straightening agents is explicitly banned due to their serious health and hair risks. Exposure to formaldehyde is linked to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and potentially more severe toxic effects due to its classification as a carcinogen. Glycolic acid, similarly prohibited, can cause harmful chemical exposure with unknown but serious health implications.
In terms of hair-related risks, the harmful chemicals in these products can lead to chemical damage to the hair shaft, hair loss, and heat-related damage exacerbated when these chemicals are combined with high-temperature straightening tools.
Anvisa warns that the presence of these prohibited substances in hair straighteners not only represents significant health hazards but also increases the risk of hair damage and loss. The agency advises consumers to be aware of symptoms such as itching, burning, or difficulty breathing, which may indicate exposure to these harmful substances.
Moreover, Anvisa urges beauty salon professionals to only use registered products and refuse to use prohibited substances, even if requested by the client. Professionals are also encouraged to adopt individual protective measures and maintain well-ventilated environments.
In addition, consumers are advised to check if the product is registered with Anvisa and to avoid products without labels or with misleading claims. Anvisa also stresses the importance of monitoring and evaluating cosmetic products after they are placed on the market, as part of their efforts to prevent risks and protect public health.
The agency's report serves as a reminder to consumers and professionals alike to prioritise safety when using hair straighteners and to choose products that comply with Anvisa's regulations to protect their health and hair.
- To prioritize health and hair safety, Anvisa recommends consumers survey product labels, avoiding unregistered items or those with misleading claims.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, Anvisa emphasizes the importance of monitoring and evaluating cosmetic products to ward off potential risks.
- Skin care and nutrition also fall under Anvisa's purview, as they stress the importance of using registered, non-toxic ingredients such as CBD in therapies-and-treatments for managing various medical-conditions and skin-conditions.
- As highlighted in the report, glycolic acid, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals can lead to skin irritation, respiratory problems, hair damage, and even severe toxic effects, making their use in hair-related products and skin-care highly undesirable and discouraged.
