What Really Happened With the EU Nitrosamine Investigation?
In 2024, the European Union ramped up its scrutiny of cosmetic products, especially haircare and “keratin treatment” lines, over the presence of nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are chemical compounds linked to cancer and other health risks. EU regulators set a strict safety threshold, banning these compounds in cosmetics above 50 parts per billion (ppb) in both raw materials and finished products.
The major recalls? They were focused on topical hair treatments:
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Brazilian blowouts and similar keratin straightening treatments
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Numerous professional salon products, many from major international brands, due to high formaldehyde and nitrosamine contamination
These were NOT oral supplements, the crisis centered on products applied directly to hair and scalp, not consumed.
Why Did This Happen and Who’s Still at Risk?
Keratin chemical treatments often require chemical stabilisation. That’s where nitrosamines creep in. Brands using cost-cutting processes or poor quality controls failed new EU testing, leading to recalls, bans, and a wave of consumer concern. Some brands are still trying to sidestep regulations outside Europe, even as cancers linked to these substances remain under investigation.
Where Does Kiri10 Stand?
Kiri10’s keratin supplements and haircare is completely different:
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Strict independent lab testing: Kiri10's keratin has been third-party tested for nitrosamines, results regularly come back at less than 1 ppb (50x stricter than EU cosmetic law).
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No harsh chemical processing: Our Functional Keratin is extracted naturally, never stabilised with questionable agents.
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EU and NZ compliance: Our standards surpass those set by both the European Commission and NZ regulators.
Should You Be Worried About Your Haircare?
If you’re still using topical keratin treatments (think straightening creams, Brazilian blowouts, etc.), check for recent recalls and avoid products not independently tested for nitrosamines. Cheap salon products from overseas still show up online, and fly under the regulatory radar worldwide.
With your supplements and haircare treatments, always ask for third-party testing. Kiri10 exceeds all international benchmarks for nitrosamine levels in our functional keratin products.
Make Your Keratin Choice With Clear Eyes
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The nitrosamine recall was real. The risk was proven. The brands scrambling? Caught cutting corners with topical treatments.
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Kiri10: Safe. Independently tested. Evidence-driven supplement science.
Ready to put your hair health and your safety first? Step up to the gold standard with keratin you can trust.
