Hair Straighteners that Contain or Release Formaldehyde – 2025

We’ve updated our list of hair straightening products that contain formaldehyde and/or formaldehyde-releasing agents—originally compiled in 2014 and expanded in 2018—using new 2025 data. Over the past year, we surveyed U.S. products and requested Safety Data Sheets (SDS) from manufacturers; most refused or did not respond, with only one company providing documentation. This list reflects the best information currently available, though formulations may have changed. Without independent testing or greater corporate transparency, it may not fully represent current ingredient profiles. 

NOTE: Products not mentioned on this list should not be assumed to be formaldehyde-free – they are products for which we could not obtain or confirm information about their formaldehyde status.

Download the PDF version of this chart here.

Note: This list should not be considered comprehensive. Many companies do not readily provide ingredient information or safety data sheets.

Why Formaldehyde in Hair Straighteners Is Dangerous 

Formaldehyde continues to pose serious health risks for salon workers, clients, and consumers. This consumer safety database provides updated information on products that still contain or release formaldehyde, despite state bans and years of documented harm. 

Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling gas used in many straightening products. When heated during hair treatments, it’s released into the air as a toxic gas. Chronic exposure is linked to serious health risks—including eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation, and cancer, and salon air levels often exceed legal limits. While stylists face the highest risk due to repeated exposure, clients and consumers are also significantly affected. 

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Important Note for Consumers

Products not on this list should not be assumed formaldehyde-free. Many straighteners contain ingredients that release formaldehyde when heated—such as methylene glycol, formalin, paraformaldehyde, dimethylol glycol, and glyoxal. Even “formaldehyde-free” products may include these chemicals, so reading labels carefully is essential. 

Before reviewing the product data, keep in mind: 

• Manufacturer Responses: Brazilian Blowout was the only company to provide an updated SDS in 2025; most others did not respond. 

• Possible Reformulations: 

– Advantage Products may have increased formaldehyde levels (from 0.1–1% reported in 2010 to 1.78% currently stated). 

– Three brands now claim to be formaldehyde-free: Cadiveu Brasil Cacau, KeraStraight (rebranded as Fabriq), and BioNaza KeraVino (though earlier SDSs and EU testing showed formaldehyde). 

• Contradictions in SDSs: Many SDSs warn against heat exposure, even though these products require flat irons heated to 450°F. 

• Hidden Cancer Warnings: Some SDSs acknowledge the products release formaldehyde and may cause cancer, but these warnings are not shared on consumer-facing materials. 

• Admitted Risks: Several SDSs note that levels above 0.2% are unsafe—yet disclose concentrations far higher. 

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Related Articles:

• Recommendations for Reducing Toxic Chemical Exposures in Salons
  
• Information for Stylists: Sharing Your Experiences with Hair Straighteners the FDA
• Timeline of actions on Brazilian Blowout.
• FDA Must Act to Protect Salon Workers from Formaldehyde
• (Report) Beauty and Its Beast: Unmasking the Impact of Toxic Chemicals on Salon Workers