Yes, Glyoxylic Acid Banned in Israel. Salons across the country can no longer market, sell, or professionally use products containing this ingredient following the update issued on February 3, 2026. This decision is not a suggestion. It is a legal requirement. Every importer, distributor, retailer, and salon owner must follow this rule immediately. This update is very important for the beauty and hair care industry. It affects businesses at every level.
It also shows how serious Israel’s product distribution and retail network is about consumer safety and regulatory compliance. As a professional importer, OG Global sees its role as more than moving products from one country to another. It acts as a safety gatekeeper for the Israeli market. That means making sure every product follows local laws and protects consumers. This article explains what has changed, why it changed, and what businesses must do next.
Table of Contents
Why Was This Ingredient Banned?
Official Decision and Legal Amendment
What does this mean for the Beauty Industry?
Immediate Actions Required by Businesses
Comparison with European Standards
Impact on Importers and Distributors
How OG Global Ensures Full Compliance?
What Has Changed in Israel?
On February 3, 2026, the Israeli Ministry of Health announced a strict prohibition on the use of Glyoxylic Acid in hair straightening products.
This means:
- Authorities cannot import products containing this ingredient.
- They cannot be sold in stores.
- They cannot be marketed online.
- They cannot be used in salons.
- Retailers must remove existing stock from the market.
There is no transition period. The rule applies immediately.
Businesses holding inventory must take action without delay. They are required to remove affected products and report to the authorities. This change follows a formal review process and an amendment to the Pharmacists Ordinance. It is a legal decision, not a temporary recommendation.
Why Was This Ingredient Banned?
Regulatory decisions are not made lightly. Before banning an ingredient, health authorities review:
- Scientific data
- Safety reports
- International findings
In this case, the review raised safety concerns regarding the use of Glyoxylic Acid in hair straightening products. Hair treatments often involve heat, and certain chemicals can release harmful vapors when exposed to high temperatures.
Health and Safety Are the Priority
The goal of the ban is simple: protect public health. Israel chose a precautionary approach. Even if other regions allow limited use of the ingredient, Israeli authorities adopted stricter measures to ensure safety.
Firm Action for Consumer Protection
This decision highlights that health authorities are willing to act firmly when consumer protection requires stronger action. Public safety always comes first, and compliance is mandatory for businesses.
Official Decision and Legal Amendment
The prohibition follows a review by the Ministry of Health. After examining the data, the Ministry accepted the recommendation of the Exceptions Committee. A formal amendment to the Pharmacists Ordinance gives the decision legal authority. This is not just guidance. It is now part of the law.
Under the amendment:
- Hair straightening products no longer permit this ingredient.
- Products containing it cannot enter the Israeli market.
- Businesses must ensure full compliance.
Failure to follow these requirements can result in penalties, product seizures, or other enforcement actions. For importers and distributors, this means regulatory responsibility is higher than ever.
What does this mean for the Beauty Industry?
This update, Glyoxylic Acid Banned in Israel has a strong impact on every level of the beauty and hair care sector.
For Brands
Brands must carefully review product formulas. Any product containing Glyoxylic Acid cannot be sold in Israel. This means:
- Reformulating existing products to remove the ingredient
- Updating ingredient labels to reflect compliance
- Checking that marketing materials do not promote banned products
Brands that fail to do this risk legal penalties, product recalls, and reputational damage.
For Importers
Importers play a critical role in ensuring products entering Israel meet all legal requirements. Responsibilities include:
- Verifying compliance before shipment
- Maintaining accurate documentation for each product
- Communicating with suppliers to confirm ingredient safety
- Monitoring regulatory updates to avoid importing prohibited items
Businesses can also use internal resources on regulatory compliance guidance to streamline these processes. Failing to meet these requirements can result in seizure of goods and legal fines.
For Retailers
Retailers must act quickly to remove non-compliant products from shelves. This includes:
- Conducting inventory checks
- Informing staff about the ban
- Reporting any non-compliant stock to authorities if required
Retail teams can refer to product safety and market guidance resources for best practices in handling regulatory updates. Retailers also need to communicate with customers who may have purchased products containing Glyoxylic Acid.
For Salons
Professional salons cannot use products containing Glyoxylic Acid. Using banned products in treatments is considered a legal violation. Salons should:
- Audit their current product inventory
- Stop using banned products immediately
- Train staff on the new regulations
- Replace products with safe alternatives approved by authorities
Immediate Actions Required by Businesses
If a company is currently holding stock of affected products, it must act fast.
Here are the required steps:
- Stop all sales immediately.
- Remove products from retail shelves.
- Inform distribution partners.
- Notify salon clients.
- Conduct an internal inventory audit.
- Report to the authorities as required.
Delays increase legal risk. With the Glyoxylic Acid banned in Israel, companies should also review their supply chain processes to ensure no additional non-compliant products are in transit. Clear communication within the organization is very important during this time.
Comparison with European Standards
In some regions, including parts of the European Union, regulatory frameworks may differ. However, Israel has chosen a stricter path in this case. While EU standards sometimes allow certain ingredients under controlled limits, Israeli authorities decided to apply a complete ban on hair straightening applications.
This difference highlights an important point: Each country has the right to set its own health and safety standards. For international brands, this means one formula may not fit all markets. Compliance must always be local.
Impact on Importers and Distributors
Importers carry significant responsibility. With the Glyoxylic Acid banned in Israel, they act as the bridge between international manufacturers and local consumers, ensuring all products meet legal requirements.
With this new regulation, importers must:
- Review product dossiers carefully.
- Confirm ingredient lists.
- Verify regulatory approvals.
- Maintain updated documentation.
- Share regulatory updates with experienced distribution partners.
A single oversight can lead to serious consequences. This is why regulatory expertise is no longer optional. It is essential. The import strategy must now include deeper compliance checks and proactive monitoring of legal updates.
How OG Global Ensures Full Compliance?
Compliance is more than a task; it is a core part of running a responsible business. After a regulatory update, companies should audit their portfolio and check every product to make sure it meets legal requirements. Using services like regulatory guidance, product reviews, and market safety checklists helps ensure all products are safe and compliant.
Acting quickly and responsibly shows a commitment to consumer safety, regulatory excellence, brand protection, and market integrity. Additional support, like ingredient verification and supply chain compliance checks, makes it easier for importers to stay informed, follow regulations, and maintain trust in the market.
Key Regulatory Requirements
Below is a simple summary of the current requirements:
| Requirement | Status | Required Action |
| Marketing of affected products | Prohibited | Stop immediately |
| Retail sales | Prohibited | Remove from shelves |
| Salon professional use | Prohibited | Inform salons |
| Existing stock | Must be recalled | Report to authorities |
| New imports | Not allowed | Suspend shipments |
This table helps businesses clearly understand what must be done.
Long-Term Industry Impact
This regulatory change may influence future product development.
Manufacturers may:
- Reformulate products.
- Invest in safer alternatives.
- Increase laboratory testing.
- Strengthen compliance teams.
Over time, stricter regulations often lead to better innovation. Companies develop safer solutions and improve product transparency. For Israel, this move reinforces its position as a market that prioritizes consumer protection. For global brands, it sends a clear message: compliance is not optional; it is a responsibility.
Conclusion
The recent regulatory update is clear: Glyoxylic Acid banned in Israel for hair straightening products, and all businesses must comply immediately. This decision shows how important public health and consumer safety are. Companies in the beauty industry should monitor regulations closely, act quickly when laws change, and put consumer safety first. Compliance is not a burdent helps build trust and supports long-term success.
If you are a brand owner, importer, or distributor, now is the time to review your product portfolio and ensure all formulations meet current legal standards. Stay informed, follow the rules, and protect your customers and your business. For any questions or guidance, contact us today to get professional regulatory support.
FAQs
1. What is Glyoxylic Acid used for?
It is commonly used in hair straightening and smoothing treatments.
2. When did the ban take effect?
The update was issued on February 3, 2026, and applies immediately.
3. Can salons use existing stock?
No. Professional use of products containing Glyoxylic Acid is also prohibited.
4. What happens if a company ignores the ban?
Businesses may face legal penalties, product seizure, and reputational damage.
5. Does this affect imported products only?
No. It applies to all products sold or used in Israel, regardless of origin.
6. How can companies stay compliant?
They should regularly review ingredient lists, monitor regulatory updates, and consult compliance experts.
7. Who is responsible for ensuring compliance?
Importers, distributors, retailers, and salons all share responsibility for following the ban.
8. Are there alternatives to Glyoxylic Acid?
Yes, safer ingredients can be used for hair straightening, but they must meet local regulations.
9. Do marketing materials need to be updated?
Yes. Any promotion or labeling mentioning Glyoxylic Acid must be removed or revised.
10. Where can companies find guidance on the ban?
They should refer to official Ministry of Health announcements, regulatory compliance resources, and product safety guidelines.
