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About the brand: Coppola - Copomon Enterprises, LLC
Coppola hair smoothing products are sold under the brand Keratin Complex. The company claims their products do not use formaldehyde but use another aldehyde TImonacic acid. Twenty test results by eight different organizations indicate the presence of formaldehyde typically between 1.5-2% and numerous products have been recalled in Australia, Canada, Cyprus, France, Germany and Ireland. Peter Copolla filed a US patent application (US 2009/0211593) in April 2009 for a keratin hair treatment that is comprised of Keratin reacted with an aldehyde, being formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde or another aldehyde with nine or fewer carbons.
Products by Coppola - Copomon Enterprises, LLC
| Product | Formaldehyde testing results | Injuries: Number of consumers that filed reports with the federal government | Product recalls | |
 | Keratin Complex Express Blow out | >0.2 - 1.6 % | 2 | Australia |
 | Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy | >0.2 - 2.3 % | 3 | Ireland, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Cyprus |
 | Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment | >0.2 - 2.0 % | 1 | Ireland, Germany |
 | Smoothing Therapy for Blonde Hair | >0.2 - 1.6 % | 0 | Ireland, Australia, France, Germany |
| unspecified | 0.46 % | 0 |
Formaldehyde test results
| Product | Formaldehyde Detected | Number of samples | Tested by | Date | Reference |
| Keratin Complex Express Blow out | 1.6 % | 1 | Anonymous (Columbia Analytical Services, INC) | 2010-09-27 | Anonymous 2010. Lab Code:R1005163-003 |
| >0.2 % | 1 | Australian Competition & Consumer Commission | 2010-10-28 | ACCC 2010 | |
| Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy | 1.5 % | 1 | Anonymous (Columbia Analytical Services, INC) | 2010-09-27 | Anonymous 2010. Lab Code: R1005163-002 |
| >0.2 % | 1 | Australian Competition & Consumer Commission | 2010-10-28 | ACCC 2010 | |
| 1.7-2.3 % | 3 | Oregon OSHA | 2010-10-29 | Oregon OSHA 2010B | |
| >0.2 % | 1 | Department of Health and Children (Ireland) | 2010-11-29 | IMB 2010A, IMB 2010B | |
| >0.6 % | 1 | French Health Products Safety Agency (Afssaps) | 2010-12-06 | AFSSAPS 2010 | |
| 1.8 % | 1 | Health Canada | 2010-12-10 | Health Canada 2010C | |
| 1.7-1.9 % | 2 | Germany (Reported in the EU Rapid Alert System for Non-Food Products) | 2010-12-17 | RAPEX 2010 | |
| Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment | >0.2 % | 1 | Department of Health and Children (Ireland) | 2010-11-29 | IMB 2010A, IMB 2010B |
| 1.7-2.0 % | 3 | Germany (Reported in the EU Rapid Alert System for Non-Food Products) | 2010-12-17 | RAPEX 2010 | |
| Smoothing Therapy for Blonde Hair | >0.2 % | 1 | Australian Competition & Consumer Commission | 2010-10-28 | ACCC 2010 |
| >0.6 % | 1 | French Health Products Safety Agency (Afssaps) | 2010-12-06 | AFSSAPS 2010 | |
| 1.6 % | 1 | Germany (Reported in the EU Rapid Alert System for Non-Food Products) | 2010-12-17 | RAPEX 2010 | |
| unspecified | 0.46 % | 1 | Professional Beauty Association | 2007-11-26 | FDA FOIA 2010 |
COMPANY STATEMENTS ON FORMALDEHYDE OR ALTERNATIVES IN ITS PRODUCT(S)
"In addition to the Keratin, our formula includes Timonacic acid, a benign antioxidant patented in France which is part of an aldehyde group that is used in hair products and acts as an organic preservative. ... The difference between Brazilian straightening companies that add free formaldehde as an ingredient and Keratin Complex's bonded aldehydes is that the latter is not harmful."
INJURIES: CLIENT/SALON WORKER INJURIES REPORTED TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Consumers or salon workers filed at least [27] reports of adverse events (injuries) from using hair straighteners, according to documents provided by the Food and Drug Administration in response to EWG's Freedom of Information Act request.
| Product | Complaint | Date |
| Keratin Complex Express Blow out | "she becomes nauseous, dizzy, gets a sore throat, has a racing heart, double vision, eyes burn, gets a tightness in her chest, headache, fever and has a lack of oxygen to the brain."" | 2010-10-18 |
| "experiences heart palpitations, lightheadedness, and burning in her eyes, nose and throat." | 2010-10-19 | |
| Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy | "Hair loss about the size of a silver dollar" | 2010-09-20 |
| "hair loss increased in volume with each additional treatment. The last treatment was done in July 2010, caused massive hair loss" | 2010-11-20 | |
| "Severe neck rashes, itching, welting, redness, eventually also rash appeared on sides of face. Severe eye burning reaction, also slight bleeding in right nostril two days later." | 2010-11-25 | |
| Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment | "Hospital 2X, dizziness, severe headaches, dermatitis, sinus problems, throat no voice, on and off voice, lungs treated with inhaler, nasal spray, pain meds" | 2010-10-10 |
PRODUCT RECALLS
Since 2009, health and consumer product agencies in 6 countries have announced recalls of hair straighteners with high amounts of formaldehyde.
| Product | Australia | Canada | Cyprus | France | Germany | Ireland |
| Keratin Complex Express Blow out | 2010-10-28 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy | 2010-10-28 | 2010-12-10 | yes | 2010-12-27 | 2010-12-17 | 2010-08-12 |
| Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment | - | - | - | - | 2010-12-17 | Unknown date |
| Smoothing Therapy for Blonde Hair | 2010-10-28 | - | - | 2010-12-27 | 2010-12-17 | 2010-08-12 |
| unspecified | - | - | - | - | - | - |
WHAT THE COMPANY SAYS ABOUT HOW THEIR PRODUCT WORKS
This revolutionary smoothing system infuses Keratin deep into the hair cuticle, eliminating up to ninety-five percent of frizz and curl and leaving the hair smooth, shiny and luxurious. Results typically last 3 to 5 months depending on hair type. [link]
AVAILABLE FOR DIRECT PURCHASE BY CONSUMERS?
A loophole in federal labeling law allows companies to sell "professional use" products without the ingredient label required on all other personal care products, so the use of formaldehyde can be hidden. Nearly all of the hair straightening products surveyed by EWG are marketed for professional use only. Despite these claims, EWG found that consumers can easily purchase "professional use" products through online retailers. Retailers identified for Coppola - Copomon Enterprises, LLC products are listed below:
Coppola - Copomon Enterprises, LLC - Keratin Complex Express Blow out
Retailers: 63 from Amazon 5 sellers not amazon
Coppola - Copomon Enterprises, LLC - Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy
"This therapy is the foundation of Keratin Complex - the original, in-salon service that infuses natural keratin deep into hair's cuticle. This revolutionary therapy eliminates up to 95% of frizz and curl and instantly adds amazing shine, silkiness and condition to the hair. The results are astounding. Clients rave that "this is a life-changing experience". Hair is more manageable, smoother and easier to style than ever before. It is perfect on all types of hair - including color treated and chemically processed hair! Ingredients: Water, Hydrolized Keratin Protein, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar Gum), Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Aminopropyl Trimethicone (2078 fluid), Polyoxyethylene (PEG-7), 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose, Xanthan Gum, Timonacic acid, Caprylyl Methicone, Glycol Distearate, Dimethiconol/Silsesquioxane Copolymer, Methylene Glycol, 1,4 - Dihydroxybenzene (p-benzoquinone), Scent: Amyl Acetate, Diethyl Phthalate""
- from link
Coppola - Copomon Enterprises, LLC - Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment
"This therapy is the foundation of Keratin Complex - the original, in-salon service that infuses natural keratin deep into hair's cuticle. This revolutionary therapy eliminates up to 95% of frizz and curl and instantly adds amazing shine, silkiness and condition to the hair. The results are astounding. Clients rave that "this is a life-changing experience". Hair is more manageable, smoother and easier to style than ever before. It is perfect on all types of hair - including color treated and chemically processed hair! Ingredients: Water, Hydrolized Keratin Protein, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar Gum), Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Aminopropyl Trimethicone (2078 fluid), Polyoxyethylene (PEG-7), 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose, Xanthan Gum, Timonacic acid, Caprylyl Methicone, Glycol Distearate, Dimethiconol/Silsesquioxane Copolymer, Methylene Glycol, 1,4 - Dihydroxybenzene (p-benzoquinone), Scent: Amyl Acetate, Diethyl Phthalate""
- from link
Retailers: 121 from Amazon 9 sellers
Coppola - Copomon Enterprises, LLC - Smoothing Therapy for Blonde Hair
Retailers: 108 from Amazon 6 sellers (not Amazon), 69.98999999999999 from eBay (4 oz)
Coppola - Copomon Enterprises, LLC - unspecified
Legal Disclaimer:
The conclusions and findings that appear on this page reflect EWG's research at the time of publication stated above. In light of evolving market conditions, subsequent product reformulations, and other factors, they may no longer be current. EWG makes no representations or warranties about any of the products that appear on this page. EWG hereby disclaims all warranties with regard to any of the products that appear on this page, including express, statutory, implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use.
References:
Coppola. 2010. Differences of Keratin Complex. October 15, 2010. Available: www.keratincomplex.com/documents/keratin-complex-statement.pdf Accessed: 1/7/2011.
Coppola. 2011. Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy. http://www.keratincomplex.com/smoothing-therapy-about.htm Accessed: 2/5/2011.
ACCC 2010. Australian Competition & Consumer Commission. Product Safety Recalls. Available at: http://www.recalls.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/952834 Accessed: 1/6/2011.
AFSSAPS 2010. French Agency for the Safety of Health Products. Notice of the French Agency for Safety of Health Products concerning the health risks of exposure to formaldehyde in some smoothing hair cosmetics.” Available: http://bit.ly/fDLJF2 Accessed: 1/6/2011.
Anonymous 2010. Analytical report. Columbia Analytical Services. 3/25/2010-10/1/2010. Available: http://nadinejolie.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Formaldehyde_Brazilian_Reports.pdf. Accessed: 1/7/2010.
Fisher M 2007. Scared Strait Warning: A hot new hair-straightening treatment from Brazil could be a health hazard. But that hasn’t stopped people from performing it. Allure. Available: http://www.allure.com/magazine/2007/10/scared_straight Accessed: 1/6/2011.
Health Canada 2010A. Brazilian Blowout Solution Contains Formaldehyde. 10/7/2010. Available: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_167-eng.php Accessed: 1/6/2011.
Health Canada 2010B. Brazilian Blowout Solution Contains Formaldehyde: Update. 10/26/2010. Available: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_182-eng.php Accessed: 1/6/2011.
Health Canada 2010C. Several Professional Hair Smoothing Solutions Contain Formaldehyde. 12/10/2010. Available: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_222-eng.php Accessed: 1/6/2011.
IMB 2010A. Concerns Relating to use of Certain Hair Straightening Products – Update. 11/29/2010. Available: http://bit.ly/hHJtRn Accessed: 1/6/2011.
IMB 2010B. Irish Medicines Board, Concerns relating to the use of certain Hair Straigtening Products. 12/23/2010. Available: http://www.imb.ie/EN/News/Concerns-relating-to-the-use-of-certain-Hair-Straightening-Products-.aspx?page=1&year=0&categoryid
Irish NCA 2010. ‘Marcia Teixeira’ hair products withdrawn. 6/14/2010. Available: http://www.consumerconnect.ie/eng/News_+_Research/Product_Recalls/marcia-teixeira-hair-products.html Accessed: 1/7/2011.
OREGON OSHA 2010A. OHSU Toxicology Center Issues Public Alerts About the Ingredients of a Popular Hair Salon Treatment. 9/30/2010. Available: http://www.Oregon OSHA.org/admin/newsrelease/2010/nr2010_24.pdf Accessed: Accessed: 1/7/2011.
Oregon OSHA 2010B “Keratin-Based” Hair Smoothing Products And the Presence of Formladehyde. October 29,2010. Available: http://www.orosha.org/pdf/Final_Hair_Smoothing_Report.pdf Accessed: 1/7/2011.
PBA 2007. Professional Beauty Association testing results. FDA Freedom of Information Act request F10-8327. Received 12/3/2010.
RAPEX 2010. European Union Rapid Alert System for non-food consumer products. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/rapex/index_en.htm. Accessed: 1/6/2011.
