Health Canada issued a warning Friday about hair smoothing products that have high levels of formaldehyde—a chemical that is known to be an irritant and is linked to cancer with repeated exposure.

Formaldehyde is permitted as a preservative in cosmetics at levels of no more than 0.2 per cent – but some of the hair smoothing products tested by Health Canada contain much higher levels of the chemical.

The worst offender in the most recent tests was Brazilian Thermal Reconstruction by Cadiveu. The Health Canada test showed the product was 7 per cent formaldehyde – 35 times the permissible limit.

Burning eyes, nose, and throat, breathing difficulties, and one case of hair loss associated with use of professional hair straightening products, according to Health Canada officials.

Officials warned that the reactions are being caused by formaldehyde becoming aerosolized during the blow drying and flat ironing stages of the treatment, saying clients and stylists could be at risk.

Consumers who are experiencing adverse reactions to these professional hair smoothing solutions are advised to seek medical attention, officials said. Consumers who have used this product and not experienced any reactions likely have no cause for concern.

Stylists who use these professional hair smoothing solutions should immediately stop using the affected product.


Brazilian Keratin Treatment by Marcia Teixeira –1.8 per cent
Advanced Brazilian Keratin Treatment by Marcia Teixeira – 1.7 per cent
Chocolate Extreme De-Frizzing Treatment by Marcia Teixeira – 1.6 per cent
Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola – 1.8 percent
Global Keratin Taming System Strawberry by Global Keratin – 3.0 per cent
Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Resistant by Global Keratin – 4.4 per cent
Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Light Wave by Global Keratin – 1.4 per cent
Pro-Collagen RX Keratin Treatment – 2.8 per cent
IStraight Keratin (Advanced Keratin Treatment) by IBS Beauty – 2.3 per cent
Brazilian Thermal Reconstruction by Cadiveu – 7.0 per cent