WEN Cleansing Conditioner Hair Loss, Other Problems Lead To FDA Warning

Amid hundreds of reports involving problems with WEN hair care products, including instances where the cleansing conditioner caused hair to fall out, rashes and other adverse events, federal regulators announced this week that they are aware of the situation and are investigating the possible cause.  

The FDA announced it has launched an investigation into WEN cleansing conditioner problems on July 19, following nearly 130 reports of adverse events received between February 18 and July 7, 2016; including hair loss, hair breakage, balding, itching and rash among individuals who used WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner products.

The agency seeks to determine the cause of the reactions and will provide additional updates as more information is uncovered.

The confirmed adverse event reports received from consumers are the largest number ever associated with cosmetic hair cleansing products, according to the agency. In addition, the FDA indicates that it is aware of more than 21,000 complaints that were reported directly to Chaz Dean, Inc. and Guthy Renker, LLC, which the agency discovered during an inspection of WEN manufacturing and distribution facilities.

A WEN class action lawsuit was filed last year by more than 200 women who claim the products damaged their hair and caused many to begin going bald. The complaint also indicated that hundreds of women experienced other problems connected to the WEN hair products, including rashes, scalp irritation, and damaged hair.

WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioner is sold in various fragrances, including Sweet Almond Mint, Lavender, Pomegranate and Summer Honey Peach. The products are designed as an all-in-one hair cleaner replacing shampoo, conditioner and detangler. It sells for about $30 per bottle.

The FDA has called on the company to provide any data that might help investigators better understand reports of hair loss associated with the use of WEN products. The agency also reached out to doctors via a notice to healthcare providers and asked them to notify their patients of hair loss and other complaints associated with use of the products and to report any adverse events.

The FDA does not review or approve cosmetic products before being marketed. Unlike drugs, the law does not require manufacturers to provide the FDA with safety data on cosmetic products.

Consumers who experience any type of reaction after using WEN products have been advised to stop using the product immediately and consult a dermatologist or another doctor. The agency also urged consumers to report any reactions or side effects to the FDA through its MedWatch adverse event reporting program.