The Benzene Blunder: What You Need to Know About the Dry Shampoo Recall

Dry shampoo is known to many of us as the holy grail for effortless second, third, or fifth-day hair (we’re not judging). While highly convenient, we should not forget that its convenience comes at a steep price – toxins. By now, many of us are aware of the recent voluntary recall put forth by Unilever regarding its dry shampoo products due to the likelihood of them containing harmful levels of benzene.

Let’s take a moment to dive deep into why this is so important and why benzene is highly toxic to your health.

The Recall

Who issued the recall?

Unilever United States

What is the recall regarding?

A voluntary recall of their aerosol dry shampoo products. Specific brands include:

• Bed Head
• Dove
• Nexxus
• Suave
• Rockaholic
• TRESemme

Where is the recall?

United States and Canada

Why were the products recalled?

Possible high levels of benzene in select batches of aerosol dry shampoo propellants were detected in an internal investigation. Affected products were produced prior to October 2021.

When did the recall go into effect?

The recall went public on October 18, 2022, per the FDA.

Action steps:

1. Check here to see if your product UPC or lot code is part of this recall.
2. Immediately stop using all recalled products.
3. Review eligibility for product reimbursements here.
4. Report any serious adverse events to the FDA.

The Blunder

Benzene is a known human carcinogen – there’s no sugarcoating it. It is a highly flammable chemical that can be colorless or light yellow at room temperature and is known to have a sweet odor (we promise we’re not sugarcoating here!).

While benzene is prevalent in our everyday environment, it’s also widely used in industries producing plastics, resins, nylons, and synthetic fibers. Other benzene products may include rubber, detergents, pesticides, and some cosmetic products like sunscreen. Exposure to benzene can take place almost anywhere – from inhaling cigarette or tobacco smoke to motor vehicle exhaust, and the legion of fumes at every gas station.

As a carcinogen, benzene causes the cells in our bodies to go rogue, essentially making them unable to function the way they were biologically designed to. The severity of benzene toxicity is based on the length, route, and volume of exposure. Regardless, benzene is a cancer-causing agent that can cause harm the female reproductive system and the immune system, extreme irritation to the respiratory tract, tissue injury to mucous membranes, and leukemia.

How do you know if you have been exposed to this toxin? Check for immediate signs of benzene exposure here.

The Alternative

You don’t have to give up on your unwashed-hair dreams. Consider natural ingredients or products that provide cleaner formulas and have less chance of a recall. Here are some DIY ideas you might like that are safe alternatives for your hair and scalp.

• Opt for cornstarch (for dark hair, mix with some cocoa powder) in place of dry shampoo
• Dilute 5 drops of apple cider vinegar in 5 ounces of water and spray onto the scalp
• Mix oat flour with baking soda to help absorb oil and freshen up your roots
• Brush arrowroot powder onto your roots to help absorb excess oil

Another helpful tip is incorporating nettle root extract into your haircare routine to help regulate sebum production. Nettle root is also known to improve hair health and boost hair growth. Enjoy it as an oil or as an organic tea.

Share your healthy hair tips in the comments below!