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.
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.
November 2022 in “International journal of trichology” This study found that glyoxylic acid caused more protein loss in hair compared to traditional alkaline straighteners, though both types of treatments showed comparable effects on hair tensile strength.
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.
13 citations
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March 2017 in “Skin Research and Technology” In this study, formaldehyde hair straighteners significantly damaged curly hair by reducing break stress and break extension, while glyoxylic acid had a milder effect; both treatments increased shear modulus and decreased water sorption.