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About the brand: Brazilian Blowout
Brazilian Blowout has skyrocketed in popularity due to claims of "formaldehyde free" and the shortened treatment time that does not require a multiple day waiting step before the treated hair can be washed. Testing in fall 2010 by Oregon OSHA found an average of over 8% formaldehyde in 57 samples tested. These products were first shown to have high levels of formaldehyde in testing by Allure magazine in 2007. FDA has received 26 injury reports and products have been recalled in Australia, Canada and Ireland. In early 2011 Brazilian Blowout released a new product, Zero, and claims the new product contains and releases no formaldehyde yet works just as effectively.
Products by Brazilian Blowout
| Product | Formaldehyde testing results | Injuries: Number of consumers that filed reports with the federal government | Product recalls | |
 | Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing solution Brazilian Blowout Solution Formladehyde Free | >0.2 - 11.8 % | 3 | Ireland, Australia, Canada |
 | Brazilian Blowout Zero | not tested | 0 | |
 | Brazilian Blowout Solution | 4.85 - 10.8 % | 23 |
Formaldehyde test results
| Product | Formaldehyde Detected | Number of samples | Tested by | Date | Reference |
| Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing solution Brazilian Blowout Solution Formladehyde Free | 9.5 % | 1 | Oregon OSHA | 2010-09-24 | Oregon OSHA 2010A |
| >0.2 % | 1 | Irish Medicines Board | 2010-10-18 | IMB 2010A, IMB 2010B | |
| 6.8-11.8 % | 37 | Oregon OSHA | 2010-10-29 | Oregon OSHA 2010B | |
| Brazilian Blowout Solution | 5.4 % | 1 | Allure magazine | 2007-10-01 | Fisher 2007 |
| 4.85 % | 1 | Oregon OSHA | 2010-08-19 | Oregon OSHA 2010A | |
| 8.4 % | 1 | Health Canada | 2010-10-26 | Health Canada 2010B | |
| 6.4-10.8 % | 19 | Oregon OSHA | 2010-10-29 | Oregon OSHA 2010B |
COMPANY STATEMENTS ON FORMALDEHYDE OR ALTERNATIVES IN ITS PRODUCT(S)
"CONTAINS NO FORMALDEHYDE! "
"Q. Can I receive/perform a Brazilian Blowout if I am pregnant or breastfeeding? A. There have been no clinical tests performed on the safety of performing the Brazilian Blowout on pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. As a result, we do advise against pregnant or breastfeeding women receiving/performing the Brazilian Blowout treatment. "
"Q. What is the active chemical in the Brazilian Blowout solution that makes it work so well? A. The Brazilian Blowout smooths the hair through the use of a proprietary polymer system that bonds amino acids to the surface of the hair. This treatment is 100% salon safe. What makes the Brazilian Blowout treatment effective is our use of the Super Nutrient Complex in conjunction with a proprietary polymer system. This combination is what rounds the follicle, smooths the cuticle and repairs any preexisting damage. "
INJURIES: CLIENT/SALON WORKER INJURIES REPORTED TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Consumers or salon workers filed at least [27] reports of adverse events (injuries) from using hair straighteners, according to documents provided by the Food and Drug Administration in response to EWG's Freedom of Information Act request.
| Product | Complaint | Date |
| Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing solution Brazilian Blowout Solution Formladehyde Free | "The air while blowing drying, are causing shortness of breath, chest pains, itchy and water eyes and a list of various other symptoms such as rashes and faiting" - Not clear that event report is 1st hand experience | 2010-09-28 |
| "After washing/rinsing product out of her hair complainant immediately noted hair loss" She was advised that process to smooth hair takes three days. | 2010-10-27 | |
| "I constantly now have headaches and my right eye does not stop watering. I am nauseous every day." | 2010-11-03 | |
| Brazilian Blowout Solution | "I immediately experienced burning eyes, burning and running nose and a burning throat… I was in agony during and after the appointment." | 2010-10-22 |
| Both had, burning eyes, burning nose, sore/raw throat and acute headache. MSDS does not list any chemical agents | 2010-10-02 | |
| "Complainant was told to not remove product [Brazilian Blowout] for 8 days until she return to the salon." "headaches, vomiting and her stability problem re-emerged. Clusters of her hair were also falling off." "Complainant contacted salon owners to obtain BB ingredients but was denied. Physician called poision control and was told that BB did not contain any "harmful" chemicals;" | 2010-10-21 | |
| "Some of the stylists and few customers developed respiratory symptons, persistent coughs, headaches, ete irritation. Complinant attempted to obtain ingredient list from company but was refused claiming propreitary information. | 2010-03-26 | |
| "The smell from the product caused her eyes to burn. The smell caused two hairstylists to have breathing problems and one of them had to leave work. One man at the salon got a headache and also had to leave." | 2008-05-18 | |
| "I've had nose bleeds, very raw nose, difficulty breathing, pressure in chest, eyes will not stop burning, and coughing, which has become progressively worse each time this product is used in the salon | 2010-10-12 | |
| "Each time I have experienced burning/running eyes and nose, headaches, and extremely raw and sore throat. I have contacted the company several times to question the adverse health effects that I and others experienced only to be told each time that the product is 100 percent formaldehyde free and safe." | 2010-10-10 | |
| "The stylist just said to keep them closed. Seemed like this had happened often, but it was extremely irritating and my eyes were burning/tearing even through closed eyes." | 2010-10-08 | |
| "Watery eyes, breathing problems, burning sensations" | 2010-09-29 | |
| "Made it hard for to breathe while blow drying, my eyes and my clients eyes watered and burned. My co-worker broke out in hives after applying." | 2010-10-13 | |
| "Within five days of the treatment I began losing large amounts of hair, at least three-four times what I would usually lose in a day in one month. I have experienced about a 40% volume loss in my hair and it continues to fall out at the same alarming pace" | 2010-10-18 | |
| "I have had stinging watery eyes, headaches and nose burning from the fumes" | 2010-10-22 | |
| "Hair continued to fall off as she continued to rinse. Blisters also discovered on the back of head. Complainant developed severe stability problems (severe dizziness). Physician examined and noted hair loss, blisters on scalp and ulcer formation in her mouth." | 2010-11-09 | |
| "Her eyes burn, her nose burns and she experienced nosebleeds, throat swellings, and headaches." | 2010-11-12 | |
| "The complainant experienced headaches, eye irritation, and congested sinuses." | 2010-11-17 | |
| "I am still symptomatic with nausea, stuffiness, fatigue, nasal blockage, chest pain, difficulty breathing" | 2010-11-10 | |
| "I did have noticeable eye irritation where I felt like my eyes were burning" | 2010-11-07 | |
| "Significant eye irritation, headache" | 2010-11-04 | |
| "Loss of taste and smell during the week she had a Brazilian Blowout" | 2010-11-02 | |
| "My hair started falling out and continues to do so. I have been to my dermatologist and he confirms that my hair follicles have been damaged." | 2010-11-05 | |
| "We did our own air quality test in the salon while doing a service. The lab just reported that there was the highest levels of formaldehyde they've ever seen in a product and it is potentially an extremely dangerous product if not used properly." | 2010-11-09 | |
| "Experienced burning eyes and requested salon to open the door for better ventilation. Also experience a funny taste sensation on my tongue during the process." | 2010-11-10 | |
| "Experienced burning, stinging eyes and immediately gets a headache after he finishes the treatment." | 2010-11-02 |
PRODUCT RECALLS
Since 2009, health and consumer product agencies in 6 countries have announced recalls of hair straighteners with high amounts of formaldehyde.
| Product | Australia | Canada | Cyprus | France | Germany | Ireland |
| Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing solution Brazilian Blowout Solution Formladehyde Free | 2010-12-03 | 2010-10-07 | - | - | - | 2010-10-18 |
| Brazilian Blowout Zero | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Brazilian Blowout Solution | - | - | - | - | - | - |
WHAT THE COMPANY SAYS ABOUT HOW THEIR PRODUCT WORKS
Through the use of a Brazilian Super Nutrient Complex and a proprietary polymer system, the Brazilian Blowout actually improves the condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle. The end result is smooth, healthy, frizz-free hair with radiant shine! [link]
AVAILABLE FOR DIRECT PURCHASE BY CONSUMERS?
A loophole in federal labeling law allows companies to sell "professional use" products without the ingredient label required on all other personal care products, so the use of formaldehyde can be hidden. Nearly all of the hair straightening products surveyed by EWG are marketed for professional use only. Despite these claims, EWG found that consumers can easily purchase "professional use" products through online retailers. Retailers identified for Brazilian Blowout products are listed below:
Brazilian Blowout - Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing solution Brazilian Blowout Solution Formladehyde Free
"The Brazilian Blowout is the most innovative and effective professional smoothing treatment in the world! Through the use of a Brazilian Super Nutrient Complex and a proprietary polymer system, the Brazilian Blowout actually improves the condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle. CONTAINS NO FORMALDEHYDE! The end result is smooth, healthy, conditioned hair with radiant shine. Ingredients: "
- from link
Retailers: 450 from Frizzy2Silky.com, 579.99 from sleekhair.com, 500 from Ebay small and full size container
Brazilian Blowout - Brazilian Blowout Zero
"Brazilian Blowout Zero is a new professional smoothing solution formulated with a breakthrough plant-derived KeraSafe Bonding system. 0% formaldehyde released before, during or after treatment. Ingredients: water(aqua), phenyl trimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, caprylic/capric triglyceride, mineral oil, glycolic acid, cetearyl alcohol, peg-40 hydrogenated caster oil, behentrimonium methosulfate, cetyl alcohol, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydrolyzed keratin, bethorlletia excelsa seed oil, VP/DMAP/acrylates copolymer, cetrimonium chloride, trideceth-12, amodimethicone, cysteine, alaria esculenta extract, myrciaria dubia fruit extract, isohexadecane, hydrolyzed wheat protein/PVP crosspolymer, hydrolyzed algae extract, potassium palmitoyl hydrolyzed wheat protein, glyceryl stearate, butylene glycol, euterpe oleracea fruit extract, bixa orellana seed extract, glycerin, crambe maritima extract, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, sodium hydroxide, benzyl benzoate, limonene, linalool, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, chlorphenesin, fragrance (parfum)"
- from link
Brazilian Blowout - Brazilian Blowout Solution
"The Brazilian Blowout is the most innovative and effective professional smoothing treatment in the world! Through the use of a Brazilian Super Nutrient Complex and a proprietary polymer system, the Brazilian Blowout actually improves the condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle. CONTAINS NO FORMALDEHYDE! The end result is smooth, healthy, conditioned hair with radiant shine. Ingredients: "
- from link
Retailers: $450 - 34 oz from Euridise.com, 438 from charmbeautyuspply.net, 450 from EBAY both full size $450-$500 and repackaged smaller containers
Legal Disclaimer:
The conclusions and findings that appear on this page reflect EWG's research at the time of publication stated above. In light of evolving market conditions, subsequent product reformulations, and other factors, they may no longer be current. EWG makes no representations or warranties about any of the products that appear on this page. EWG hereby disclaims all warranties with regard to any of the products that appear on this page, including express, statutory, implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use.
References:
Brazilian Blowout. 2011A. Pro Treatment. Available: http://www.brazilianblowout.com/pro-treatment Accessed: 1/14/2011
Brazilian Blowout. 2011B. FAQ’s. Available: http://www.brazilianblowout.com/pro-treatment Accessed: 1/14/2011
Brazilian Blowout. 2011C. Brazilian Blowout Zero. Available: http://brazilianblowout.com/zero Accessed: 2/25/2011
Brazilian Blowout. 2011D. About Us. Available: http://www.brazilianblowout.com/About_Us. Accessed: 2/25/2011
ACCC 2010. Australian Competition & Consumer Commission. Product Safety Recalls. Available at: http://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/952834 Accessed: 1/6/2011.
AFSSAPS 2010. French Agency for the Safety of Health Products. Notice of the French Agency for Safety of Health Products concerning the health risks of exposure to formaldehyde in some smoothing hair cosmetics.” Available: http://bit.ly/fDLJF2 Accessed: 1/6/2011.
Anonymous 2010. Analytical report. Columbia Analytical Services. 3/25/2010-10/1/2010. Available: http://nadinejolie.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Formaldehyde_Brazilian_Reports.pdf. Accessed: 1/7/2010.
Fisher M 2007. Scared Strait Warning: A hot new hair-straightening treatment from Brazil could be a health hazard. But that hasn’t stopped people from performing it. Allure. Available: http://www.allure.com/magazine/2007/10/scared_straight Accessed: 1/6/2011.
Health Canada 2010A. Brazilian Blowout Solution Contains Formaldehyde. 10/7/2010. Available: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_167-eng.php Accessed: 1/6/2011.
Health Canada 2010B. Brazilian Blowout Solution Contains Formaldehyde: Update. 10/26/2010. Available: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_182-eng.php Accessed: 1/6/2011.
Health Canada 2010C. Several Professional Hair Smoothing Solutions Contain Formaldehyde. 12/10/2010. Available: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_222-eng.php Accessed: 1/6/2011.
IMB 2010A. Concerns Relating to use of Certain Hair Straightening Products – Update. 11/29/2010. Available: http://bit.ly/hHJtRn Accessed: 1/6/2011.
IMB 2010B. Irish Medicines Board, Concerns relating to the use of certain Hair Straigtening Products. 12/23/2010. Available: http://www.imb.ie/EN/News/Concerns-relating-to-the-use-of-certain-Hair-Straightening-Products-.aspx?page=1&year=0&categoryid
Irish NCA 2010. ‘Marcia Teixeira’ hair products withdrawn. 6/14/2010. Available: http://www.consumerconnect.ie/eng/News_+_Research/Product_Recalls/marcia-teixeira-hair-products.html Accessed: 1/7/2011.
OREGON OSHA 2010A. OHSU Toxicology Center Issues Public Alerts About the Ingredients of a Popular Hair Salon Treatment. 9/30/2010. Available: http://www.Oregon OSHA.org/admin/newsrelease/2010/nr2010_24.pdf Accessed: Accessed: 1/7/2011.
Oregon OSHA 2010B “Keratin-Based” Hair Smoothing Products And the Presence of Formladehyde. October 29,2010. Available: http://www.orosha.org/pdf/Final_Hair_Smoothing_Report.pdf Accessed: 1/7/2011.
PBA 2007. Professional Beauty Association testing results. FDA Freedom of Information Act request F10-8327. Received 12/3/2010.
RAPEX 2010. European Union Rapid Alert System for non-food consumer products. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/rapex/index_en.htm. Accessed: 1/6/2011.
