Lawsuit Information Center
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. has been defending a series of class action lawsuits claiming that the company’s OGX line of shampoos and conditioners contains chemicals that cause hair loss. The lawsuits accuse J&J of marketing OGX hair products as afe and capable of repairing, nourishing, and reviving hair. According to the plaintiffs, however, these products contain chemicals such as formaldehyde and DMDM, which are known to be harmful and can cause hair loss.
This page is about lawsuits involving OGX shampoo. We provide you with numerous details here that our lawyers believe may be helpful to you, including the current status of the pending litigation. But our law firm is not handling these cases.
OGX Hair Products
OGX is a line of shampoo, conditioner, and other hair care products originally developed and sold by Vogue International. In 2016, Johnson & Johnson acquired Vogue International for $3.3 billion and assumed ownership of the OGX hair product line.
Since the acquisition, J&J has continued marketing and selling OGX hair care products to men and women seeking smooth, shiny, soft, healthy hair. The OGX products contained representations on the labels about reviving, enhancing, and repairing damaged hair, leaving it fuller, thicker, and better.
According to several lawsuits, however, these representations were entirely false, and the OGX hair care products actually contained two harmful chemicals, formaldehyde and DMDM.
Formaldehyde and DMDM
Formaldehyde, a recognized human carcinogen and allergen known to cause cancer and other damaging reactions when applied to the skin, forms when DMDM combines with water. For a long time, DMDM has been linked to hair loss, thinning hair, dermatitis, and other harmful scalp reactions.
Formaldehyde releasers are included in beauty items to deter microbial growth. DMDM, in the hydantoin category, is used in the cosmetics sector and discharges formaldehyde to preserve and extend shelf life.
J&J acknowledged the damaging effects of DMDM in 2012 and committed to remove formaldehyde and similar ingredients from personal care products by 2015 (and baby products by 2013). Despite this, the company continued to manufacture OGX Products with DMDM until September 2021.
Even now, OGX Products with DMDM remain on store shelves despite known risks.
OGX Lawsuits Against J&J
Lawsuits have alleged J&J engaged in false advertising and concealed harmful ingredients. Initial lawsuits began in 2021, notably by Larissa Whipple. Most lawsuits allege fraud, unjust enrichment, and violations of consumer protection laws, seeking refunds for affected customers.
2021 Lawsuit
Two federal lawsuits filed in 2021 (Illinois and California) were later consolidated in New Jersey and resolved via confidential settlement in March 2022.
Carr v. J&J
Carr v. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. et al. (1:21-cv-06557) remains active in the Eastern District of New York. The case includes claims for design defect, failure to warn, and negligence.
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Complete Fact Discovery | 6/3/2024 |
| Plaintiff’s Expert Disclosures Due | 7/12/2024 |
| Defendants’ Expert Disclosures Due | 8/16/2024 |
| Rebuttal Expert Disclosures Due | 8/30/2024 |
| All Discovery Completed | 10/18/2024 |
| Class Certification / Summary Judgment / Daubert Motions | 12/18/2024 |
New Class Action
In December 2023, Marina Scott filed suit in the Northern District of Illinois over OGX dry shampoo products allegedly containing benzene, a carcinogen. Plaintiffs argue the products were adulterated, misbranded, and unlawfully sold.
- The products shouldn’t contain benzene under federal law.
- Benzene wasn’t listed on the label.
- Benzene is linked to leukemia and classified as a Class 1 solvent by the FDA.
- Even low-level, prolonged exposure is dangerous.
What J&J Knew About DMDM
- 1988 study linked DMDM to dermatitis via formaldehyde release.
- 2005–2006 study ranked DMDM as a top allergen.
- Formaldehyde is a recognized carcinogen by U.S. and international agencies.
- 2010 study: DMDM is reactive even when formaldehyde is not.
- 2015 research: higher temps increase formaldehyde release.
- 2017: more allergic reactions to DMDM reported.
- FDA: DMDM is a top cosmetic allergen.
Despite known safer alternatives, J&J continued using DMDM while marketing OGX products as safe and effective.
Another J&J Shampoo Class Action Lawsuit
In 2024, another lawsuit targeted J&J’s Neutrogena shampoo. The plaintiff alleges it’s falsely labeled as preservative-free despite containing citric acid, which extends shelf life. She seeks class certification for U.S. and New York buyers.
Hiring a Lawyer
We are unaware of lawyers currently reviewing OGX personal injury lawsuits. That is not to say they are not out there — we just don’t know who they are. The focus at the moment is on consumer class actions.