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.
Hidden Risks: What Consumers Are Reporting
Beyond the lawsuits, real-world reports continue to paint a troubling picture for consumers who used Johnson & Johnson’s OGX products. Online forums and complaint databases include dozens of posts from users describing everything from scalp irritation and brittle strands to full-on brake failure–like hair shedding after consistent use.
Certain product combinations, especially among women using OGX shampoo with DMDM in tandem with heated styling or tight hairstyles, have been linked to patchy bald spots and sudden hair density loss. Many of these complaints focus on specific product lines like OGX Biotin & Collagen and OGX Argan Oil, but the issues appear to cut across the brand.
One recurring thread in these reports is how symptoms sometimes appeared weeks or months into use, catching users off guard. Those who had prior sensitivity to cosmetic ingredients were particularly at risk, echoing the same patterns seen in lawsuits involving formaldehyde-releasing shampoos. Claims about product safety do not always match consumer outcomes—especially when ingredients are not fully understood or labeled transparently.
New 2025 Study on Hidden Formaldehyde in Everyday Products
A May 2025 study found that over half of the women participating had used at least one personal care product containing formaldehyde-releasing preservatives during a single week. Researchers tracked more than 1,100 products, and the results pointed to shampoos, lotions, and even eyelash glues as hidden sources of formaldehyde exposure.
The ingredient names are easy to miss. DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, and others often do not look alarming on a label. But they can release formaldehyde over time, and that is a known carcinogen.
If consumers cannot recognize the risk in their daily routine, how can they avoid it? Studies like this one are forcing regulators to take a closer look at common ingredients many people still assume are safe.
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.
What Ingredients Should Concern You?
Many hair-care products include more than just cleansing agents—they can also contain preservatives and chemicals that raise red flags. Some ingredients, like formaldehyde releasers (for example, DMDM hydantoin) found in certain keratin treatments or smoothing shampoos, have been linked—even if not yet definitively—to hair thinning, scalp irritation, and other adverse reactions. Studies suggest these compounds may contribute to hair loss or fractures over time.
Several major brands have faced consumer class-action lawsuits regarding hair loss and scalp damage. These cases often center on products marketed as nourishing or restorative but later alleged to contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients. While settlement doesn’t equal admission of guilt, it does show growing legal attention and consumer concern.
To reduce your risk, consider swapping out products containing questionable preservatives like DMDM hydantoin or quaternium-15. Look for sulfate-free, dermatologist-tested alternatives and pay attention to ingredient lists—particularly if you’ve noticed unexplained hair thinning or sensitivity.
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.