Consumers Filed New Lawsuit Against Unilever in July
The litigation alleges that TRESemmé hair products caused hair loss due to the use of a formaldehyde-releasing preservative.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Consumer Goods
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In July 2026, six consumers filed a lawsuit against Unilever in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey alleging that TRESemmé products caused hair loss. The complaint claims the products contained the preservative DMDM hydantoin, which the plaintiffs argue was used without proper disclosure.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing operational risks for consumer goods manufacturers regarding ingredient transparency and historical litigation. Companies must weigh the trade-offs of using common preservatives like DMDM hydantoin, which prevents mold growth, against potential consumer liability and brand reputation costs.
The July 2026 filing involves six plaintiffs, marking a continuation of litigation trends that began with a 2012 case against Unilever. While DMDM hydantoin remains permitted in hair products, the scope of consumer claims against its use continues to draw judicial attention.
The players
Unilever
A multinational consumer goods company that produces a wide range of personal care and home products.
TRESemmé
A prominent brand of professional-grade hair care products owned and manufactured by Unilever.
The details
Plaintiffs allege that Unilever continued to use DMDM hydantoin in TRESemmé products despite awareness of hundreds of consumer hair loss claims. The preservative is standard in the industry to prevent mold from forming in shower-stored items. The 2026 case, Kinney et al. v. Conopco Inc., follows similar legal challenges, including a 2020 suit in Illinois and a 2021 case against OGX that was eventually dismissed.
Timeline
Litigation involving Unilever and DMDM dates back to 2012.
A lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of Illinois in 2020.
A lawsuit was filed against OGX in 2021.
Six consumers filed the current lawsuit in July 2026.
Market Landscape
This litigation follows the pattern established by the 2021 lawsuit against OGX involving DMDM hydantoin. It represents a recurring challenge for personal care brands managing ingredient safety and consumer perception.
Operators in the personal care space should monitor the discovery phase of this litigation to see if it sets new standards for ingredient disclosure requirements. Maintain detailed records of consumer feedback and ingredient safety documentation to mitigate exposure to similar claims.
The takeaway
The case highlights the importance of transparent labeling regarding chemical preservatives in high-moisture environments. Businesses should review their current ingredient communication strategies and maintain clear documentation on consumer feedback regarding product performance.
Further reading
For broader trends in product safety and litigation, see our coverage in Consumer Goods.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.
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