What is the Olaplex hair controversy?

Author: Casper Raynor  |  Last update: Sunday, November 23, 2025

A lawsuit claims Olaplex products contain allergens and irritants that cause hair loss and dry, brittle hair. Nearly 30 women are suing hair care brand Olaplex for negligence and false advertising, claiming their products contain allergens and irritants that caused them hair loss and dry, brittle hair.

What is the controversy with Olaplex?

The class action lawsuit, filed in federal court in California in February 2023, seeks to hold Olaplex Holdings Inc. accountable for $75,000 in damages. The 28 plaintiffs in the suit claim that Olaplex products caused injuries to the hair and scalp, some reportedly resulting in hair loss.

Why did people stop using Olaplex?

Olaplex lawsuit: Users claim hair products caused bald spots, blisters. Dozens of hair care brand Olaplex customers allege the products caused “serious injury,” according to a lawsuit filed last week. Olaplex denies the claims, saying independent test results prove the allegations to be false. The ethos was simple.

Why do some people not like Olaplex?

Many customers have left negative feedback, claiming that the product did not work for them and even caused hair damage and loss. Again, we want to stress that we don't use Olaplex at our salon, but we believe in presenting the facts and letting you make your own informed decisions.

Does Olaplex contain formaldehyde?

We are Clean at Sephora, free from over 50 toxic ingredients, including sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, formaldehyde, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, triclocarban, and contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances.

A Dermatologist Compares K18 and Olaplex - Which Works Better?

What are the bad chemicals in Olaplex?

The lawsuit also claims that Olaplex products contain lilial and panthenol - chemical compounds that can lead to hair loss and conditions including "inflamed, blistered, flaking or scaling skin".

Is methylene glycol toxic?

Methylene glycol has no toxicity apart from formaldehyde present in equilibrium. Formaldehyde & methylene glycol are not chemically or toxicologically equivalent.

Why is my hair falling out after using Olaplex?

So, Can Olaplex Cause Hair Loss? There is no evidence that any Olaplex products cause hair loss, despite the claims. Olaplex has science and studies on their side, and many people have experienced positive results with their products, whether that's their shampoo and conditioner or their oils.

Why did Olaplex get cancelled?

According to the complaint, multiple Olaplex products contained lilial, a chemical compound that is often used as a perfume in cosmetics until the European Union mandated the ingredient be gone from products by March 2022 due to concerns about its impact on fertility.

What damage is caused by Olaplex?

There's "no evidence that Olaplex products cause hair loss or hair breakage," according to a spokesperson. "We believe in the safety and efficacy of our products, which are thoroughly tested in-house and by independent third-party laboratories."

What is as good as Olaplex but cheaper?

10 best Olaplex alternatives Stylist's beauty team loves
  • Living Proof Triple Bond Complex. ...
  • Redken Extreme Mask Strength Builder. ...
  • Cantu Shea Butter Grow Strong Strengthening Treatment. ...
  • Redken Acidic Perfecting Concentrate and Kèrastase Fusio Dose.

What is the best shampoo for thinning hair?

Top shampoos for thinning hair, at a glance
  • Best Overall: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $15.
  • Best for Thickening: Kérastase Densifique Thickening Shampoo, $44.
  • Best for Damaged Hair: Vegamour Hydr-8 Shampoo, $38.
  • Best for Volume: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo, $37.

Is too much Olaplex bad for your hair?

You can also purchase it online here. You cannot over use Olaplex, so the more often you treat the hair, the healthier it will be.

What is the Redken controversy?

SACRAMENTO - The California Air Resources Board today announced that L'Oreal USA S/D Inc. has paid $146,500 in penalties for selling three Redken-brand hair care products that failed to meet the state's air quality regulations.

What is the Wen hair loss scandal?

Chaz Dean's Wen Hair Care and marketer Guthy-Renker came under fire last December when hundreds of people joined the class action suit claiming its popular sulfate-free cleansing conditioner caused severe hair loss and scalp irritation.

What is the bad ingredient in Olaplex?

The real concern is over an ingredient called butyl phenyl methylpropionol also known as lilial.

What is the difference between Olaplex and K18?

Key Differences

Technology Focus: K18 uses peptide technology to reconnect broken chains and bonds, while Olaplex focuses on rebuilding broken disulfide bonds with its unique molecule. Application Phases: K18 is segmented into pre-service and post-service applications, each with tailored pH levels for maximum efficacy.

Why does Olaplex not work?

In conclusion, Olaplex is a great product for repairing damaged hair, but it's not the answer for hair that needs hydration. So, if you're struggling with dry, brittle hair, skip Olaplex and reach for a product that's designed to hydrate and nourish your hair.

Is Olaplex actually good for your hair?

The best hair professionals in the world all swear by Olaplex, because it works like nothing else to repair damage and strengthen hair from the inside out. We've already answered the question of whether or not Olaplex works: It does.

What is the best hair regrowth product?

Dermatologists recommend using Viviscal Pro, Nutrafol, and Rogaine for their clinical effectiveness. Prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements can also help. Ask a dermatologist before considering alternative treatments that may cause harm to your health.

What are the complaints about Olaplex?

The original lawsuit complaint named 28 plaintiffs who alleged that they had suffered personal injuries from using Olaplex products. Injuries included hair loss and scalp irritation, as well as leaving hair dry, brittle, frizzy, and dull.

What is another name for methylene glycol?

Methanediol, also known as formaldehyde monohydrate or methylene glycol, is an organic compound with chemical formula CH2(OH)2. It is the simplest geminal diol.

Is methylene a carcinogen?

Employees exposed to methylene chloride are at increased risk of developing cancer, adverse effects on the heart, central nervous system and liver, and skin or eye irritation. Exposure may occur through inhalation, by absorption through the skin, or through contact with the skin.

What are four everyday items that contain formaldehyde?

Where is formaldehyde found?
  • Pressed-wood products (plywood, particle board, paneling).
  • Foam insulation.
  • Wallpaper and paints.
  • Some synthetic fabrics (example: permanent press).
  • Some cosmetics and personal products.

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