Our take
Why It’s on Our Radar
We don't recommend chemical relaxers. These are named in an active cancer MDL, and the chemistry (caustic straighteners, formaldehyde releasers, fragrance) is exactly what the litigation targets.
What's inside
Ingredients & Safety
Caustic calcium hydroxide / guanidine straighteners with petrolatum, propylene glycol, DMDM hydantoin (a formaldehyde releaser), and fragrance.
Worth a closer look — 5 ingredients we flag:
Petrolatum — commonly known as Mineral Oil
A petroleum-based moisturizer that seals in moisture; the refined cosmetic grades used in baby products are considered safe, and the concern is only with unrefined grades.
Mineral Oil — sometimes listed as Petrolatum
A petroleum-based moisturizer that seals in moisture; the refined cosmetic grades used in baby products are considered safe, and the concern is only with unrefined grades.
Propylene Glycol — sometimes listed as PG
Petroleum-derived humectant, can cause skin irritation and is a penetration enhancer for other chemicals.
DMDM Hydantoin — commonly known as Formaldehyde Releasers
Preservatives that slowly release formaldehyde.
Fragrance — sometimes listed as Parfum
Undisclosed scent blend that is a common allergen and irritant; choose fragrance-free for sensitive or reactive skin.
Full Ingredient List
- Calcium Hydroxide
- Guanidine Carbonate
- Petrolatum also listed as Petrolatum, Paraffinum Liquidum Watch
- Mineral Oil also listed as Petrolatum, Paraffinum Liquidum Watch
- Cetyl Alcohol also listed as Cetyl Alcohol
- Propylene Glycol also listed as PG Caution
- DMDM Hydantoin also listed as DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15 Caution
- Fragrance also listed as Parfum, Perfume Watch
Prefer a spotless pick? ATTITUDE in Shampoo & Hair Care is Clean Verified — every ingredient clean, with no recalls or lawsuits on record.
Who owns it
Ownership & Independence
Dark & Lovely and Optimum are L'Oréal brands (SoftSheen-Carson); L'Oréal USA remains a defendant in MDL 3060 (the French parent, L'Oréal S.A., was dismissed in 2025). Just For Me is a separate brand made by Strength of Nature/Godrej and is a separate defendant.
Where to buy
Key Products
- Dark & Lovely No-Lye Relaxer View on Amazon →
- Optimum Relaxer View on Amazon →
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