Unilever Faces Suit Over Formaldehyde-Based Shampoo Preservative

A woman can proceed with a proposed class suit against Conopco Inc. alleging that a formaldehyde-based preservative in TRESemmé shampoo caused scalp irritation and made her hair fall out in clumps.

Elizabeth Candelaria plausibly connected her injuries to the shampoo and raised viable design defect and warning claims against Conopco, which does business as Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York said Tuesday.

• The products contained DMDM hydantoin, a known allergen that slowly releases formaldehyde to prevent microbial growth and extend the shelf life of cosmetics, Candelaria alleged
• She ...