The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has missed its latest deadline to propose a ban on formaldehyde and specific formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in hair-straightening products, which are predominantly used by Black women, reports BritPanorama.
The proposed rule, originally set for action by the end of December 2025, is still in development, according to agency officials. The FDA maintains that the proposal, titled “Use of Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Chemicals as an Ingredient in Hair Smoothing Products or Hair Straightening Products,” remains a priority. An FDA spokesperson indicated that the agency may adjust publication timelines for this and other proposed rules as necessary.
The FDA’s initial deadline for introducing this rule was October 2023. Subsequently, it was moved to April 2024, then pushed further to November 2024, March 2025, July 2025, and finally to December 31, 2025, according to David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group. Andrews highlighted that this lag places salon workers and consumers—especially Black women—at higher risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Formaldehyde has been recognized as a carcinogen that can also cause respiratory issues and skin irritation.
In partnership with advocacy groups, salon workers submitted a citizen petition in 2021 urging the FDA to enact regulations prohibiting formaldehyde and similar substances from hair-smoothing products. Previous statements under the Biden administration suggested an impending regulatory approach, but actions have yet to materialize, highlighting the inconsistencies in regulatory processes through successive administrations.
A rule in limbo
Currently, there are no penalties for the FDA’s failure to meet its timeline, leading to continued public concern over the agency’s efficacy in protecting consumer health. For the regulatory process to advance, the FDA must formally publish the proposed rule in the Federal Register, allowing for public comment before finalization. This function is essential for assessing community response and potential revisions to safety standards.
Scientific research has consistently linked the use of hair-straightening products to increased incidences of hormone-related cancers, including uterine and breast cancer, particularly among Black women. As Black women typically use these products more frequently and at younger ages, their cumulative exposure raises significant health concerns.
Despite growing evidence highlighting the risks associated with these chemicals, the FDA has not moved towards actionable changes, prompting several lawmakers to demand immediate intervention. US Representatives Shontel Brown, Nydia Velázquez, and Ayanna Pressley, among others, have called for decisive action, emphasizing the imperative of prioritizing public health and safety.
The ongoing delay in regulatory action continues to generate frustration among advocates, who stress the urgent need for the FDA to provide clarity and accountability regarding this critical health issue. With mounting evidence of risks, the call for action reverberates across healthcare and consumer rights discourse.
