About the brand: Keratin Cure

Keratin Cure sells two Brazilian style keratin treatments that they claim as containing 0% formaldehyde. These products are available to consumers online via Keratin Cure’s website and other retailers. Public tests results of the formaldehyde content of these products were not found.

Products by Keratin Cure

	Product	Formaldehyde testing results	Injuries: Number of consumers that filed reports with the federal government	Product recalls
	Chocolate Max Bio	not tested	0
	Gold and Honey Max Brazilian Bio Keratin Treatment	not tested	0

COMPANY STATEMENTS ON FORMALDEHYDE OR ALTERNATIVES IN ITS PRODUCT(S)

statment on October 2, 2011

"All of our products are formaldehyde free"

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 RECALLS

Since 2009, health and consumer product agencies in 6 countries have announced recalls of hair straighteners with high amounts of formaldehyde.

WHAT THE COMPANY SAYS ABOUT HOW THEIR PRODUCT WORKS

Keratin Cure Treatment is a Brazilian Keratin Hair Straighter that is a revolutionary product that softens, smoothens, and most importantly assists in making your hair straight. Keratin Cure works as an intensive treatment, locking in protein to leave hair more shiny and packed with vitality. The dramatic straightening effect is a by product of Keratin, as its conditioning effects smooth away frizz, unlock curls and ease your hair's natural waves. Brazilian Keratin is a protein that is high in sulfur and amino acid cystic, making it tough, elastic and insoluble. These qualities are fundamental to the strong structural role keratin often plays in nature. It is a major component of horns, hooves and wool. In fact, keratin is the main protective substance in our hair, skin and nails. This is not a permanent straightening but a natural treatment. Therefore, when the product is gone, your hair will be back to its natural form. It is designed for people who have curly or frizzy hair and doesn't use any chemical treatments; in fact it will help to repair your hair! Keratin Cure Brazilian Straightening is safe for use on colored hair and the reason that it will help to repair your hair is due to the fact that the main component is keratin protein, which is found in the hair. The effects of Brazilian Keratin Straightening will generally wash out in two to three months depending on how porous your hair was before the treatment took place. The Keratin Cure Brazilian hair treatment is excellent on all types of chemically treated hair (bleached, hi-lights, colored, permed, relaxed or previously straightened. It is excellent for getting rid of curly, frizzy, damaged, unhealthy, dull, mistreated hair. The Keratin Cure Brazilian treatment is made up of "Keratin" a liquid form of hair. There are no harsh chemicals. The Brazilian treatment can be used on children (6 years and older), teens and adults (men and women). The Keratin Cure Brazilian treatment DOES NOT use strong chemicals to open and close the hair cuticle in an effort to straighten it. It only coats the hair. It does not break the bonds of the hair shaft like straightners do. Keratin is a natural substance which comprises approximately 88% of your hair. The Keratin Cure Brazilian treatment is not permanent. It naturally fades out of the hair. The wave or curl will gradually come back in about 2 - 3 months. The hair will stay soft, shiny and healthy looking. The more you do the treatment the better condition the hair becomes. The treatment also makes the hair very manageable. It will require less blow drying time and results will be very good with a flat iron. [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 Keratin Cure products are listed below:

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Keratin Cure - Chocolate Max Bio

"KC CHOCOLATE MAX BIO Keratin Treatment is a completely organic innovative Brazilian Straightening technology system. KC CHOCOLATE MAX BIO contains cocoa extract best for hydrating, repairing and adding natural moisture and makes hair soft and manageable. KC CHOCOLATE MAX BIO also contains Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter extract creating a natural form of protective barrier that prevents dryness and loss of hydration dashed with a delicious chocolate fragrance. Ingredients: cysteine, sodium pca (and) serine (and) glycine (and) glutamic acid (and) alanine (and) lysine (and) arginine (and) threonine (and) proline (and) betaine (and) sorbitol ,cocoa butter extract, theobroma cacao seed butter, hydrolyzed keratin, polyquaternium-10 cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol and behentrimonium methosulfate, benzalkonium chloride, glycerin, vinylpirrolidone, parafinun liquidum, hydroxiethylcellulose, dimethicone, disodium edta, bht, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, aqua (water), parfum (fragrance), ci: 75130 "
- from link

Retailers: $139 (300 mL) from Keratin Cure via Amazon.com, $119 (300 mL) from Keratin Cure Website

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Keratin Cure - Gold and Honey Max Brazilian Bio Keratin Treatment

"Keratin Treatment is a completely organic innovative Brazilian Straightening technology system. KC GOLD & HONEY BIO emanates luxurious shine from root to tip that is designed for EVERY type of hair and rich with vitamins and minerals for extra assistance of day to day moisturizing needs and is packed with natural conditioning agents for extra nutrients & better hydration. Keratin GOLD & HONEY BIO is sure to make your hair treatment restore health, elegance and brilliance. Ingredients: cysteine, sodium pca (and) serine (and) glycine (and) glutamic acid (and) alanine (and) lysine (and) arginine (and) threonine (and) proline (and) betaine (and) sorbitol, apis extract, hidrolyzed keratin, polyquaternium-10 cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol and behentrimonium methosulfate, benzalkonium chloride, glycerin, vinylpirrolidone, parafinun liquidum, hydroxiethylcellulose, dimethicone, disodium edta, bht, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, aqua (water), parfum (fragrance)ci: 19140"
- from link

Retailers: $149 (300 mL) from Keratin Cure via Amazon.com, $199 (500 mL) from Keratin Cure Website

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:

Keratin Cure. 2011. About Us. Available: http://www.keratinbrazilianhair.com/keratincure/about-us.html Accessed: 2/10/2011. Keratin Cure. 2011B. Keratin Cure Chocolate Max Bio Brazilian Keratin Treatment. Available: http://www.keratinbrazilianhair.com/keratincure/shop/hair-straightener/keratin-cure-chocolate-max-bio-brazilian-keratin-treatment-500ml-16oz.html Accessed: 2/10/2011. Keratin Cure. 2011C. Keratin Cure Gold & Honey Bio Biological Brazilian Keratin Treatment. Available: http://www.keratinbrazilianhair.com/keratincure/shop/hair-straightener/kc-keratin-cure-gold-and-honey-bio-biological-brazilian-keratin-treatment-1000ml-34-81oz-formaldehyde-free.html Accessed: 2/10/2011.

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.