Ministry of Health warning: Dangerous substances found in hair straightening products

The Ministry of Health issued another warning to the public today (Thursday) following an inspection operation conducted at the "Merkaz HaHalakot" chain, after laboratory tests were completed on products seized at nine of the chain's branches. The tests identified shampoos and additional hair straightening products that are not registered in the Ministry of Health's databases, and therefore their marketing is prohibited. Among the products the ministry is warning about: PROTEIN + MINERAL PREMIUM HAIR STRAIGHTENING, Protein Mineral Premium Pre Treatme Shampoo, and HYDRO KERATIN PRO HAIR STRAIGHTENING GEL.

Substance linked to kidney damage

The Ministry of Health notes that one of the products, HYDRO KERATIN PRO HAIR STRAIGHTENING GEL, is not registered with the ministry, and its label states that it contains glyoxylic acid. According to the ministry, this substance is prohibited for use in hair straightening products in Israel, following a link found between its use and serious side effects, including kidney failure, which have been reported in recent years.

Suspicion of counterfeit products

During the tests, a suspicion also arose that some of the products found in the chain were not manufactured at all by the manufacturer registered with the Ministry of Health. An inquiry conducted by the Cosmetics Department with the company "Teltel", which is listed as the manufacturer, revealed that the products Revival Riginol PRO and Revival Straight were not manufactured by them. Consequently, the Ministry of Health warns that there is concern regarding the origin, composition, and safety of these products.

Formaldehyde found in additional products

In addition, laboratory tests showed that in other hair straightening products, found without labels or without the marking required by law, the presence of formaldehyde was discovered — a substance classified as a carcinogen and prohibited for use in cosmetics in Israel. The Ministry of Health reminds that exposure to formaldehyde can cause health damage, and that the use of products containing it is prohibited.

Warning to the public

The Ministry of Health calls on the public to avoid purchasing hair straightening products from unauthorized sources or unknown suppliers, and to use only products that are registered in the Ministry of Health's cosmetics database and marked according to legal requirements. The ministry adds that purchasing unapproved products or using products that are not marked as required may pose a significant health risk. At the same time, the Ministry of Health announced that it is continuing to examine the findings in cooperation with local authorities and enforcement agencies, and that it will take all necessary steps to protect public health and will update the public as required.