In recent weeks, Mielle Organics has been painted in a negative light. Several black TikTok creators have put forth claims that their Rosemary Mint line is responsible for significant hair damage and hair loss. This story spread like wildfire as social media amplified these claims. Consequently, there was speculation of alleged reformulations following Mielle’s acquisition by Proctor & Gamble Beauty, rumors of an active lawsuit and criticism of the company’s initial scripted response to the accusations. 

Expert Insight: Debunking the Reformulation Myth 

Howard alum, cosmetic chemist and content creator Javon Ford took to social media to silence the rumors of a formula change. With over 460,000 followers on TikTok, Ford gained popularity through his science-based approach to debunking beauty and skin care myths. At the height of this controversy, Ford used his platform to address the rumors 

“The formula has changed very little, if at all,” Ford stated after comparing the Rosemary Mint Oil’s ingredients from 2020, 2022, and present day 

Ford’s analysis revealed the fact that all versions of the Mielle formula contain potential irritants including essential oils, menthol and benzyl nicotinate. Many commenters noted that the “Rosemary Mint Shampoo” caused their scalps to tingle but continued using it for extended periods of time. He posits that everyone, regardless of the brand, should stop using products that cause their scalps, to tingle, burn, or experience a warming effect. In an exclusive interview with C2C Magazine, he emphasized a crucial point, 

“Everyone, regardless of the brand, should stop using products that cause their scalps to tingle, burn, or experience a warming effect.” 

 Ford further explained, “I think we, as black people in particular, have been raised to the idea that if it’s burning, it means it’s working.” This is simply untrue and can lead to scalp irritation or damage.  

“Mielle’s sourcing might have changed but that doesn’t change the efficacy of the ingredients, nor does it change the sensitivity,” said Ford. 

Mielle’s Response and Community Initiatives 

On September 7, the founder and CEO of Mielle Organics, Monique Rodriguez, addressed the backlash in a video where she emphasized that the formulations have not changed. Her response was met with adverse reactions because it failed to directly address the hair loss claims. The company followed up with a more comprehensive statement on September 9, refuting allegations of reformulation, hair loss, and an active lawsuit as misinformation. 

Despite this controversy, Mielle Organics continues its community engagement efforts. In October 2023, the company announced a partnership with Howard University’s Swim and Dive Team for their “From One Queen to Another” Initiative to promote maintaining healthy natural hair while leading an active lifestyle. More recently, in early September, the company distributed its Rice Water and Sea Moss lines to the team. 

Popular rapper and Howard alum Lady London serves as one of Mielle’s brand ambassadors. Her song “Sleek,” released in October 2023, educated listeners and consumers on the correct pronunciation of Mielle (My-elle) and included the now poignant lyric, “Cause the formula never change.” 

Honors Sophomore Journalism major, Tatianna Allen, continues to use Mielle products amidst the controversy, stating “An old but new concept for people to understand is that some things will work and some things won’t, your personal journey with hair is personal and doesn’t always represent the majority.” Allen shared that the Rosemary Mint Edge Gel is great for laying her baby hairs, but the Oil Custard is ineffective for her hair. 

Moving Forward: Transparency and Consumer Responsibility 

The narrative that Mielle “sold out” post-acquisition is a contentious one. Ford offers a balanced perspective, stating “I hate that term. I think any business should be able to grow.” He theorizes that some individuals experiencing hair loss might have had pre-existing issues, and the oil simply didn’t provide the expected results as their hair loss progressed naturally. Ford emphasized that he has no intentions of invalidating anyone’s claims that they’re experiencing hair loss as it can possibly be attributed to Mielle, but hair loss also has many other causes. 

Overall, the Mielle Controversy highlights two critical points for the beauty industry: 

1. Companies should prioritize transparency, clearly disclosing potential irritants in their products. 

1. Consumers need to be more vigilant in recognizing when a product may be causing more harm than good to their scalps and hair. 

 Mielle has since posted a series of videos titled “The Root of It”, featuring hair stylists and Dr. Adrienne Leak, to address hair health. Taking a sit-down educational approach, these professionals have discussed potential causes for hair loss and excessive hair shedding addressed and even recommended pivoting to their Sea Moss line if experiencing sensitivity to the Rosemary Mint line. As this controversy comes to a close, it serves as a reminder of the power of social media in shaping narratives, and the importance of seeking expert opinions and scientific facts in the face of viral claims.