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Health Alert: Concerns Rise Over Brazilian Hair Straightening Products in Morocco

Yesterday 13:30 Journalists: Dakir Madiha

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French health authorities have raised alarm over the use of Brazilian hair straightening products containing glyoxylic acid, a substance linked to acute kidney injury. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) has urged consumers to avoid these products after four reports of acute kidney failure associated with their application were received since the beginning of 2024.

The alert, issued in collaboration with the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) and the French Ministry of Health, targets both professionals in the beauty industry and individuals applying these products at home. Fortunately, those affected have received treatment and have since recovered; however, an investigation is currently underway to evaluate the renal toxicity of glyoxylic acid when applied to hair.

Globally popular, Brazilian hair straightening treatments are also prevalent in Morocco. They are sought after for their ability to smooth and straighten curly or frizzy hair without chemically altering its structure, unlike traditional relaxers. These treatments yield soft, smooth, and shiny hair that is easier to manage for several months.

Despite their popularity, glyoxylic acid—a chemical used for its straightening properties—has raised significant safety concerns. Symptoms of acute kidney failure can manifest within hours of exposure and may include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and abdominal or lower back pain. If any of these symptoms arise, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention and report the use of a hair straightening product.

This is not the first caution regarding glyoxylic acid in hair straightening treatments. A case reported in March in The New England Journal of Medicine highlighted a 26-year-old woman who was hospitalized following the use of such a product. Additionally, the French Academy of Medicine issued a warning in June, linking acute kidney failure to the formation of oxalic acid crystals in the renal tubules, a condition triggered by the acid absorbed through the scalp and skin during the straightening process.

Pending the findings of the ongoing investigation, which may prompt regulatory changes, French health authorities have strongly advised against the use of hair straightening products containing glyoxylic acid.