Israel's Health Ministry Bans Hair Straightener After Woman Hospitalized

Israel's Ministry of Health has ordered an immediate halt to the sale, distribution, and use of a hair straightening product named "Revival Miracle" following the hospitalization of a woman who used it. The woman was admitted to Rambam Hospital. Preliminary checks by the ministry revealed that the product, manufactured by P.R.Colordesign according to its packaging, was being sold without the required license or notification for cosmetic products entering the market. Furthermore, the product's labeling indicates it contains glyoxylic acid, a substance completely prohibited in Israel for hair straightening treatments. A ministry representative visited the salon where the product was used and collected a sample for laboratory analysis, which is expected in the coming days. The ministry has attempted to contact P.R.Colordesign but has not yet received a response. The Health Ministry warns that using hair straightening products that violate regulations or contain prohibited ingredients poses a health risk. They urge consumers and salon owners to cease using, purchasing, or distributing "Revival Miracle." The ministry advises checking product licensing and avoiding unverified formulations. Information on licensed cosmetic products is available in the cosmetic product registry. The ministry also calls for immediate medical attention if unusual symptoms arise after hair straightening, such as reduced urine output, swelling, nausea, vomiting, abdominal or back pain, and severe weakness, advising patients to inform doctors about the product used. Glyoxylic acid, used as an alternative to formaldehyde in some straightening products, has been linked in studies to acute kidney damage. It is believed to be absorbed through the skin and converted into oxalates, which can form calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys, impairing their function. The ministry is continuing its investigation and will provide updates as more information becomes available from the ongoing checks and lab results. For further information, the "Kol HaBriut" information center can be reached at *5400.