Israel Warns Against "DRAGONFLY" Hair Straightener After Girl Suffers Kidney Damage
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Israel's Ministry of Health has warned against the "DRAGONFLY" hair straightening product after a girl suffered kidney damage, finding the product's license was revoked. The ministry linked Glyoxylic Acid in hair straighteners to acute kidney damage, leading to a ban on such products by February 2026. Consumers and salons are urged to stop using "DRAGONFLY" and to verify product legitimacy, while also being aware of serious health symptoms requiring immediate medical care.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel's Ministry of Health warned against "DRAGONFLY" hair straightener due to a girl's kidney damage.
- The product falsely claimed a license, which was revoked after its manufacturer requested it.
- Glyoxylic Acid in hair straighteners is linked to acute kidney damage, prompting a ban by February 2026.
- Formaldehyde is also banned in cosmetics due to its carcinogenic properties.
- The ministry advised against using "DRAGONFLY" and urged verification of product licenses.
- Serious symptoms like decreased urination or swelling require immediate medical attention.
Israel's Ministry of Health has issued a warning against the hair straightening product "DRAGONFLY" following a case where a girl suffered kidney damage. An examination revealed the product falsely claimed to be licensed by the Ministry of Health, despite its license having been revoked at the manufacturer's request. The product is no longer listed in the ministry's approved cosmetics database. The ministry has attempted to contact the company for a response but has not yet received one.
The warning comes after the ministry received several reports over the past two months of hospitalizations linked to hair straightening procedures. An expert committee concluded there is a clear causal link between the use of products containing Glyoxylic Acid and acute kidney damage. Consequently, the ministry revoked licenses for cosmetics containing this ingredient and banned their marketing, sale, and use in Israel starting February 2026. The use of Formaldehyde in cosmetics is also prohibited due to its classification as a carcinogen.
The ministry urged the public and salon owners to immediately stop using "DRAGONFLY," refrain from purchasing or marketing it, and to verify that products used are listed in the ministry's database, not just rely on packaging claims. They also advised against straightening on irritated scalps, to apply products at least 1.5 cm from the scalp, to work in well-ventilated areas, and to avoid straightening for individuals under 16.
Tampering with product formulations, such as adding Glyoxylic Acid or Formaldehyde, or diluting them after manufacturing, can expose users to dangerous substances at unknown concentrations and invalidates safety assessments, constituting a criminal offense. The ministry also warned against ignoring symptoms like decreased urination, swelling, nausea, vomiting, abdominal or back pain, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, or confusion after hair straightening, urging immediate medical attention and informing medical staff about the product used.
The ministry stated it is continuing to investigate the incident and will release further updates.
