Lawsuit Investigation: Does Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Moisturizer Cause Hair Loss?

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are interested in speaking with people who used Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Hair and Body Moisturizer.

They’re investigating whether a preservative in the product is causing hair loss and scalp irritation and, if so, whether a class action lawsuit can be filed.

What Started this Investigation?

Attorneys began looking into Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Hair and Body Moisturizer specifically because it includes a preservative known as DMDM hydantoin. This ingredient can leach formaldehyde, a well-known human carcinogen, upon contact with water and is currently the center of a lawsuit involving certain TRESemmé haircare products.

The lawsuit involving TRESemmé alleges that the use of DMDM hydantoin is “an entirely unnecessary risk” as safer preservatives exist and accuses the manufacturer of failing to properly warn consumers of the dangers such a harsh ingredient could pose to the hair and scalp.

According to the FDA, DMDM hydantoin is one of the “most common allergens” found in beauty products today. The agency states that the chemical, like other allergens, can “trigger the immune system to release chemical substances such as antibodies” and cause reactions that include itching and rashes. One study has indicated that irritation of the scalp can lead to hair loss and hair brittleness.

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Moisturizer: Hair Loss, Irritation Complaints  

Several online reviews for Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Hair and Body Moisturizer have noted that the product can cause hair to fall out and the scalp to become irritated. Some of these complaints can be read below [sic throughout, emphasis ours]:

I bought this and put a very small amount on the ends of my hair. A few hours later I brushed my hair and tons of my hair came out in my brush which never happens. I bought this stuff to improve my hair not destroy it. My hair is already thin enough. I returned it right away. Never will buy anything from this brand again!”
— Lis, Indiana, Ulta.com

Was told to get this to help with the frizzy just showered look to help style it. Works ok not really what I was hopping for. Makes my scalp itch so I stopped using it.”
— n3v45, Amazon.com

It does do its job of keeping the hair firm - but it totally hurts the hair. After a few uses, it was evident that hair and scalp was getting damaged. This product didn't work well for me.”
— anonymouse, Amazon.com

I do not know what went wrong. It was working great for the first few days and then out of no where my skin reacted awfully. It made my eczema flare up and with a vengeance. I was itching from head to toe. Since stopping it my skin has calmed down and is back to everyday itchies (ie hands and lower legs). Tried their shamp/cond & bar soap products as well thinking the Tea Tree Oil line would be my cure-all for skin conditions and overall I'm thoroughly disappointed.”
— Just_J, Amazon.com

Not a fan. Dries out my scalp and causes some irritation. For such an expensive product, I would have expected better.”
— D Piddy, Amazon.com

I feel like this is causing me to lose some hair. I never used to have issues with hair loss, and when I started using this I noticed that when I styled my hair with my hands, my sink would become covered in strands of hair. Not sure if it’s a coincidence, but I feel like it isn’t.”
— Jason B., Amazon.com

How Could a Class Action Help?

A class action lawsuit, if filed and successful, could force the manufacturer to recall or relabel the products to warn of the risks of DMDM hydantoin. It could also give consumers a chance to get their money back.

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