WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) has requested more information regarding the persistent safety issues associated with WEN hair care products. To date, over 17,000 customers have filed complaints about the WEN Cleansing Conditioner, detailing adverse health effects after using the product, including significant hair loss, visible bald spots, hair breakage, scalp irritation, rash, and burning of the scalps and eyes.
“Consumers deserve to know that they are making safe choices when they purchase cosmetics," said Pallone. “Unfortunately, since popular cosmetics and personal care products are largely unregulated before they reach the marketplace, these products can contain harmful chemicals that have the potential to put consumers at risk. We must reform our nation’s outdated cosmetics law and ensure that FDA has the resources necessary to review the chemicals used in household products when they are sold to consumers."
Pallone sent a letter to Georg Richter, President and CEO of Guthy-Renker, LLC which manufactures WEN hair care products, requesting relevant documents and a briefing to discuss concerns raised repeatedly by consumers. Despite these complaints, Guthy-Renker continues to deny safety issues associated with the use of WEN hair care products. Pallone also sent a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf asking the agency to provide further information about steps the agency is taking to address these safety issues.
Pallone has repeatedly called for reforms to our nation’s cosmetics law. He has pledged to work on bipartisan legislation this Congress that will allow FDA to ensure that products used on a daily basis are not harmful to consumers.
