Minnesota becomes the second state to sue L'Oréal over hair relaxers
Minnesota's attorney general sued L'Oréal on October 23, saying it marketed Dark and Lovely, Optimum and Mizani relaxers to Black women and girls without disclosing studies linking frequent use to uterine and ovarian cancer. Arizona filed a similar suit in September. Separately, the federal case had 12,381 cases as of October 1, and its first trial is set for September 7, 2027. On October 22, the judge ruled that the plaintiffs' epidemiologist can testify that chemical relaxers can cause uterine and ovarian cancer, and let a toxicologist testify in part. That decides what a jury can hear, not whether relaxers cause cancer. L'Oréal says the claims lack merit, and they are unproven.
Why it matters
These products were marketed heavily to Black women for decades. This is news coverage, not legal or medical advice.
The story so far
Arizona's attorney general sues L'Oréal over relaxer marketing.
The federal case reaches 12,381 cases.
Judge Mary Rowland lets the plaintiffs' epidemiologist testify on cancer risk and limits part of a toxicologist's testimony.
Minnesota's attorney general sues L'Oréal.
Summary judgment and expert challenges due