Medical aesthetic products. Lead counsel named for L’Oréal hair relaxer suit

THE WHAT? The US District Judge in Chicago presiding over a class action suit that charges L’Oréal USA with selling hair relaxers that contain carcinogenic ingredients has named Ben Crump and Diandra Debrosse Zimmermann, Micheal London and Fidelma Fitzpatrick as Co-lead Counsel, according to a report published by Reuters.

THE DETAILS Zimmerman and Crump filed the lawsuit, while London says he has 11 complainants on file to date.

THE WHY? The suit connects use of the hair straightening treatments in question with uterine cancer. Representatives for Godrej and L’Oréal declined to comment when contacted by Reuters but the French beauty giant has previously told reporters in connection with the suit that it is ‘confident in the safety of its products’.

Medical aesthetic products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics, which combines medical practices with cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of individuals. These products are typically used under the supervision of trained medical professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or specialized nurses. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or require medical expertise for their application.

Examples of medical aesthetic products include:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These may include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

• Chemical Peels: Solutions containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, used to improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Laser and Light Devices: Equipment used for various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

• Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants, designed to address specific dermatological concerns under medical supervision.

• Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Cosmeceuticals: High-quality skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing biologically active ingredients with proven efficacy.