April 2019 in “Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (Universidade de São Paulo)” This study found that the acidic hair straightening formulation at pH 1.0 improved hair alignments and straightening effectiveness more than pH 2.0, but it weakened fiber strength and affected hair color and composition.
23 citations
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June 2014 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” This study reported that the treatment of hair with glyoxylic acid straighteners causes major conformational changes within the hair fiber due to interactions between carbonyl and keratin components.
3 citations
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June 2019 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology” In this study, tresses treated with pH 1.0 acid straightener showed better straightening but more damage to hair properties compared to those treated with pH 2.0.
October 2025 in “Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation” In this case report, a young woman experienced acute kidney injury linked to the use of a hair straightening product containing glyoxylic acid, suggesting dermal absorption may lead to calcium oxalate nephropathy; this highlights the need for regulatory review and public health intervention.
July 2026 in “Preprints.org” In this study, incorporating a novel amino acid compound into a hair-straightening formulation improved humidity-resistant straightening and enhanced the surface and mechanical properties of hair fibers, including increased bending stiffness, reduced friction, and better shape retention under high temperature and humidity conditions.