"The US Food and Drug Administration has missed its latest deadline to propose banning formaldehyde and certain formaldehyde-releasing chemicals from hair-straightening products, often used by Black women.

The proposed rule had an action date of the last day of December 2025, according to experts, which the agency lists as “12/00/25.”

But the FDA says the rule is still in the works.

“FDA’s proposed rule, ‘Use of Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Chemicals as an Ingredient in Hair Smoothing Products or Hair Straightening Products’ continues to remain a priority for the Agency,” an agency spokesperson said in an email. “FDA may adjust the anticipated publication date of this and other proposed rules when appropriate.”"

Jacqueline Howard reports for CNN January 5, 2026. [2]