Published: April 2011

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About the brand: Global Keratin (Named changed to GK hair)- Xtremeon, USA

Global Keratin is rebranding to become GK hair. They state that and the hair with a light wave could use a formaldehyde free formula "while coarse hair requires formaldehyde for optimal results". Global Keratin claims to have made no false claims and that their old formulas used methylene glycol (i.e. hydrated formaldehyde). Test results have detected formaldehyde between 1.4 and 4.4% and Global Keratin products have been recalled in Canada, France and Ireland. There was one adverse event report submitted to FDA.



Products by Global Keratin (Named changed to GK hair)- Xtremeon, USA

  Product Formaldehyde testing results Injuries: Number of consumers that filed reports with the federal government Product recalls
Functional Keratin Hair Taming System-Light Wave coloured "Chocolate" >0.2 - 1.5 %0Ireland
Global Keratin Chocolate Keratin Treatmentnot tested0
Global Keratin Taming System Strawberry 3 %0Canada, France
Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Light Wave >0.2 - 1.4 %1Ireland, Canada
Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Resistant 4.4 %0Canada
Global Keratin Strawberry Keratin Treatment for Curly Hairnot tested0


Formaldehyde test results

Product Formaldehyde Detected Number of samples Tested by Date Reference
Functional Keratin Hair Taming System-Light Wave coloured "Chocolate" 1.5 %1Anonymous (Columbia Analytical Services, INC)2010-03-25Anonymous 2010. Lab Code: R1001403-001
>0.2 %1Irish Medicines Board2010-12-06IMB 2010A, IMB 2010B
Global Keratin Taming System Strawberry 3 %1Health Canada2010-12-10Health Canada 2010C
Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Light Wave >0.2 %1Irish Medicines Board2010-12-06IMB 2010A, IMB 2010B
1.4 %1Health Canada2010-12-10Health Canada 2010C
Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Resistant 4.4 %1Health Canada2010-12-10Health Canada 2010C


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

statment on February 9, 2011

"Since the inception of Global Keratin the company has been in full compliance with all regulations worldwide and never made any false claims. In our old formulas Global Keratin used Methylene Glycol (CAS: 463-57-0) in our products."



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
Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Light Wave "The first time I used the product I could taste it in my throat and smell it for hours after the service. The second time I used the product my tongue was tingling and numb for a couple of hours and my eyes burned."2010-10-26


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
Functional Keratin Hair Taming System-Light Wave coloured "Chocolate" - - - - - 2010-08-20
Global Keratin Chocolate Keratin Treatment - - - - - -
Global Keratin Taming System Strawberry - 2010-12-10 - 2010-12-27 - -
Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Light Wave - 2010-12-10 - - - Unknown date
Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Resistant - 2010-12-10 - - - -
Global Keratin Strawberry Keratin Treatment for Curly Hair - - - - - -


WHAT THE COMPANY SAYS ABOUT HOW THEIR PRODUCT WORKS

The GK Hair Taming System with Juvexin incorporates a unique and patented formulation of proteins and is found exclusively in GKhair products. Unlike other keratins, Juvexin is non-hydrolyzed; maintaing all of nature's healing powers. Scientific studies reveal that the harsh process of hydrolyzation reduces keratin proteins to inactive fragments that cannot effectively bond to the hair or offer nourishing effects. [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 Global Keratin (Named changed to GK hair)- Xtremeon, USA products are listed below:

Product Retailers
Functional Keratin Hair Taming System-Light Wave coloured "Chocolate" none identified
Global Keratin Chocolate Keratin TreatmentAVEYOU Beauty Boutique via Amazon.com
Global Keratin Taming System Strawberry none identified
Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Light Wave AVEYOU Beauty Boutique via Amazon.com
Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Resistant AVEYOU Beauty Boutique via Amazon.com
Global Keratin Strawberry Keratin Treatment for Curly HairAVEYOU Beauty Boutique via Amazon.com
eBay (1 oz kit)




Global Keratin - Xtremeon, USA - Functional Keratin Hair Taming System-Light Wave coloured "Chocolate"

"This formula will maintain the natural waves or curls. It will cut styling time in half and provide long-term conditioning and protection."
- from link





product image
image source

Global Keratin - Xtremeon, USA - Global Keratin Chocolate Keratin Treatment

"Global Keratin Chocolate Keratin Treatment, Wavy Hair 33.8 oz,Global Keratin Chocolate Keratin Treatment with Juvenix for Wavy Hair is formulated to straighten the hair and leave it shiny, silky and manageable."
- from link

Retailers: 525 from AVEYOU Beauty Boutique via Amazon.com





product image

Global Keratin - Xtremeon, USA - Global Keratin Taming System Strawberry

"The Global Keratin Hair Taming System with JUVEXIN special formulation of proteins and is found exclusively in Global Keratin products. Unlike other keratins, JUVEXIN is non-hydrolyzed, maintaining all of nature's healing power. Laboratory tests reveal that the harsh process of hydrolyzation reduces keratin proteins to inactive fragments that cannot effectively bond to hair or offer rejuvenating effects. This formula will straighten unruly hair and provide a silky smooth finish. It will cut styling time in half, repair damage and provide long-term conditioning and protection. Features:?Works on all hair types ?Leaves hair more manageable ?Hair is soft and shiny ?Provides frizz-free, smooth results ?Cuts styling time in half ?Provides long term conditioning and protection ?Lasts up to 5 months between salon treatments "
- from link





Global Keratin - Xtremeon, USA - Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Light Wave

Retailers: 260 from AVEYOU Beauty Boutique via Amazon.com





Global Keratin - Xtremeon, USA - Global Keratin Taming System with Juvexin Strawberry Resistant

Retailers: 250 from AVEYOU Beauty Boutique via Amazon.com





Global Keratin - Xtremeon, USA - Global Keratin Strawberry Keratin Treatment for Curly Hair

"Global Keratin Strawberry Keratin Treatment with Juvenix for Curly Hair is formulated to straighten the hair and leave it shiny, silky and manageable. The Strawberry Keratin treatment is specifically formulated as a revitalizing and rejuvenating Keratin treatment that eliminates frizz and curls (similar to the Brazilian Treatment) Global Keratin includes Juvenix, a naturally derived protein similar to the structure of hair, which bonds to the surface and penetrates strands. All of this incredible straightening with a pleasant Strawberry fragrance. Product Details: ?33.8 oz ?For Curly hair, natural or color treated ?Includes Juvenix, a naturally derived protein ?Keratin straightening treatment ?20 - 25 applications ?Eliminates frizz and curl ?Promotes healing of hair ?Blocks the effects of humidity ?Straightens and smooths hair infusing natural keratin ?Strawberry fragrance ?2% Formaldehyde ?Can be used on all hair types"
- from link

Retailers: 500 from AVEYOU Beauty Boutique via Amazon.com, 30 from eBay (1 oz kit)

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:

Global Keratin. 2011. Global Keratin Hair Taming System with Juvexin. Available: http://www.globalkeratin.com/en/keratin-products/hair-taming-system.html Accessed: 2/11/2011

GK Hair. 2011. GK Hair Letter for the Attention of the French Consumers. Available: www.artdiffusion-hair.com/certificats/gkhair-letter.pdf Accessed: 2/9/2011.

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.