Unilever has recalled 1.5+ million dry aerosol products from the U.S. market due to the presence of benzene, a compound that can cause cancer and other blood disorders in humans. The company’s actions were “out of an abundance of caution” according to their press release since there haven’t been any reported adverse effects so far.
The products come from brands as well-known as TRESemmé, Dove, Nexxus, and Suave.
Which dry shampoos are affected?
Below is a list of recalled dry shampoo products and the brands they come from:
Dove
- Dry Shampoo Volume and Fullness
- Dry Shampoo Fresh Coconut
- Dry Shampoo Fresh and Floral
- Dry Shampoo Ultra Clean
- Dry Shampoo Invisible
- Dry Shampoo Detox and Purify
- Dry Shampoo Clarifying Charcoal
- Dry Shampoo Go Active
Nexxus
- Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist
- Inergy Foam Shampoo
Suave
- Dry Shampoo Hair Refresher
- Professionals Dry Shampoo Refresh and Revive
TRESemme
- Dry Shampoo Volumizing
- Dry Shampoo Fresh and Clean
- Pro Pure Dry Shampoo
Bed Head
- Oh Bee Hive Dry Shampoo
- Oh Bee Hive Volumizing Dry Shampoo
- Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo
Origins of benzene: butane
Unilever pointed to the propellant in the spray cans as the culprit. It’s mainly butane, which comes from crude oil that isn’t refined correctly. When this happens, the oil can contain residual compounds, including benzene.
What is benzene?
Benzene is found in manufacturing, including to create products containing plastic, rubber, paint, and glue. They can also go into pesticides and detergents The compound is also in exhaust from cars, factory emissions, and tobacco smoke.
Short-term effects
Breathing in high concentrations of benzene may lead to several health effects, including:
- dizziness
- head pain
- irregular heartbeat
Long-term effects
In the long term, the health effects can get very serious. Research has connected long-term exposure to benzene to damage in the bloodstream. It can weaken the immune system by affecting the body’s ability to create antibodies and destroy white blood cells.
As a carcinogen, benzene is especially linked to leukaemia, including Hodgkin lymphoma.
Why is benzene in dry shampoo risky?
People often use dry shampoo in enclosed spaces, mainly the bathroom, and spray it near their faces. This close-range exposure can be troubling.
References:
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/hair/a41912073/benzene-in-beauty-products-explained/
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/unilever-recalls-dry-shampoos-potential-benzene-rcna53709
