Seven out of 10 dry shampoos still on grocery store shelves contain detectable levels of a cancer-causing chemical — despite recent recalls of dozens of popular brands.
Research by a laboratory in Connecticut tested a random sample of 148 different products sold in CVS, Walgreens and by online retailers like Amazon across the country.
Some 70 per cent were positive for benzene, a known carcinogen which is strongly linked to leukemia and other blood disorders. Among those that contained the chemical were drug-store brand favorites Batiste and Not Your Mother's — alongside premium brands Pureology and Kerastase.
Benzene levels varied by bottles, but nine were found to have at least 10 times the legal limit. One product — Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Coconut — had nearly 80 times the threshold.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — which regulates beauty and cosmetic products — told DailyMail.com today it was reviewing the findings.
Contamination may come from inactive petroleum-derived ingredients, a thickening agent, or isobutane, a spray propellant.
Manufacturers including Church & Dwight — which makes Batiste — refuted the results, saying it had recently 'confirmed' with its suppliers that the dry shampoos don't contain benzene.
It comes after millions of bottles of dry shampoo bottles from Dove, TRESemme and Bed Head were recalled across America last week after they were found to contain Benzene.
People who purchased the shampoos were urged to stop using them and visit the Unilever — the conglomerate that manufactured them — website for a full refund.
Pictured above are the brands that were found to contain benzene, a known carcinogen. Valisure, an independent lab in Connecticut which carried out the tests, has contacted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ask it to issue a recall of the brands. The FDA said it was reviewing their report
Benzene is at the top of the FDA's list of dangerous solvents.
It is considered a 'Class 1 solvent' that 'should not be employed in the manufacture of drug substances, excipients, and drug products because of their unacceptable toxicity'.
Inhaling or absorbing the chemical over a long period of time can have devastating health effects because it causes cells in the body to work incorrectly.
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Dry shampoos with unsafe levels of benzene still on shelves
These dry shampoos contained more than the legal limit of benzene set by the FDA:
- Not Your Mother's, Beach Babe, Toasted Coconut;
- Not Your Mother's, Clean Freak Original;
- Not Your Mother's, Clean Freak Unscented;
- Not Your Mother's, Triple Threat Brunette;
- Not Your Mother's, Plump for Joy Body Building;
- Not Your Mother's, Blonde Moment Dry Shampoo;
- Paul Mitchell Invisiblewear Brunette Dry Shampoo;
- Sun Bum Beach Formula Dry Shampoo;
- Batiste, Dry Shampoo Bare;
- Batiste, Dry Shampoo Clean and Light Bare;
- Sebastian, Dry Clean Only Dry Shampoo;
- Redken, Deep Clean Dry Shampoo;
- dp Hue, Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Shampoo;
- dp Hue, Apple Cider Vinegar travel size;
- OGX, Extra Strength, Coconut Miracle Oil;
- OGX, Extra Strength Dry Shampoo Coconut Miracle;
- Sol de Janeira, Brazilian Joia Dry Shampoo;
- Klorane, Dry Shampoo with Nettle Oil Control;
- Klorane, Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk Ultra Gentle;
- IGK, Direct Flight Multi-Tasking Matcha Dry Shampoo.
The dry shampoos had detectable levels of benzene that fell within the FDA's limit:
- Sebastian, Dry Clean Only Dry Shampoo;
- Batiste, Dry Shampoo Plus Brilliant Blonde;
- Batiste, Dry Shampoo Floral and Flirty Blush;
- Not Your Mother's, Clean Freak Refreshing Unscented;
- Not Your Mother's, Clean Freak Refreshing Original;
- CHI, VIBES Wake and Fake Soothing Dry Shampoo;
- OGX, Extra Strength Argan Oil of Morocco;
- Garnier Fructis, Texturizing Invisible Dry Shampoo;
- Batiste, Dry Shampoo Bare;
- Batiste, Dry Shampoo Fresh Breezy Citrus;
- Batiste, Dry Shampoo Plus Divine Dark;
- Batiste, Dry Shampoo Floral and Flirty Bush;
- Pureology, Style and Protect Refresh and Go Dry;
- Kerastase, Fresh Affair Refreshing Dry Shampoo;
- Amika, Perk Up Dry Shampoo;
- Hask, Dry Shampoo Monoi Coconut;
- Drybar, Detox Clear Invisible Dry Shampoo Blanc;
- Drybar, Detox Dry Shampoo Original Scent;
- Biolage, All-in-one Intense Dry Shampoo;
- Eva NYC, Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo;
- Kristin Ess, Brunette Dry Shampoo;
- Bumble and Bumble, Pret-a-powder Tres Invisible;
- Cake, The 'Do Gooder Volumizing Dry Shampoo.
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Overexposure to benzene can also cause bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells, which can lead to anemia, as well as blood cancer.
It can also wreak havoc on the immune system by altering blood levels of antibodies and killing off white blood cells.
Inhalation of a high concentration of benzene in the short term can cause a myriad of adverse effects such as dizziness, headaches, irregular heartbeat and, in certain severe circumstances, death.
The American Cancer Society says it raises the risk of someone developing cancer.
Benzene belongs to a class of chemicals called volatile organic compounds, which evaporate in the air.
The FDA says it is the responsibility of manufacturers to monitor benzene levels in their products.
It allows for a trace level of up to two parts per million (ppm) in products.
But the Environmental Protection Agency warns that inhaling just 0.4ppm of benzene increases your risk, resulting in one additional cancer case per 100,000 people.
The latest investigation, carried out by Valisure and published online, found benzene in most dry shampoo products that were tested.
The independent lab bought dry shampoos from pharmacies across the US and then took them for testing.
The tests were carried out over a number of months, the researchers said.
The amount of benzene in products varied by spray and even bottles of the same brand — for those where it was detected.
They said the investigation found the 'highest and most broadly detected levels of benzene to date'.
A total of thirty per cent of those checked had no benzene in them — including bottles from L'Oreal, Philosophy and American Crew.
But the vast majority were found to contain the carcinogen.
For nine of the products tested, levels of benzene were more than 10 times the recommended limit.
Seven of these were from Not Your Mother's, under the names: Toasted Coconut, Clean Freak Original, Clean Freak Unscented, Triple Threat Brunette, Plump for Joy Body Building Orange, Clean and Refreshing and Blonde Moment.
The other two were Paul Mithcell Invisiblewear Brunette and the Sun Bum Beach Formula.
Testing also revealed variation in benzene levels within the same product, which Valisure said suggested there were inconsistent mixing methods.
For example, one bottle of Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Toasted Coconut had 79 times the recommended level in the first spray but 61 times this in the second.
Valisure CEO David Light said the results should be 'cause for significant concern' because products are likely used indoors, where benzene 'may linger and be inhaled' for prolonged periods of time.
He added: 'These and other issues identified by Valisure, including the detection of benzene in body spray, hand sanitizer and sunscreen products, strongly underscore the importance of independent testing and its need to be better integrated into an increasingly complex and vulnerable global supply chain.'
Asked about the results, Mr Light told CBS Moneywatch: 'Thirty per cent had no detectable amount of benzene, so it can be made cleanly.
'There's definitely a higher risk right now with propellant-based aerosol sprays.'
In a statement to DailyMail.com, the FDA said: 'Manufacturers are responsible for the safety and quality of their products.
'The FDA encourages companies and retailers to remove their products from store shelves and online marketplaces when benzene is detected. Consumers should immediately stop using any drug and cosmetic products that have been recalled.'
Pictured above are the dry shampoo products that have already been recalled because they contain benzene, after the move was requested by the FDA
Batiste maker Church & Dwight suggested it had no plans to issue a recall at this point.
A spokesman told CBS that it was evaluating the report at the center of the recent claims.
'When propellants had been reported to be the source of benzene in competitors' recalled products, we contacted our propellant suppliers and confirmed with those suppliers that the propellants used in our Batiste products do not contain benzene.
The manufacturer of Not Your Mother's, DeMert, said the report was 'inconsistent with the data provided by our suppliers and the rigorous ongoing testing to ensure the safety and integrity of our products.
'These tests show no traceable amount of benzene.'
It comes after Unilever — behind brands including Dove, Nexxus and TRESemme — recalled 1.5million products because they contained elevated levels of benzene.
The affected goods are aerosols made before October 2021 from brands Dove, Nexxus, Suave and TRESemme.
Dry shampoos with benzene that are already recalled
More than a million bottles of dry shampoo have already been recalled for containing benzene.
The FDA requested the recall after testing revealed they contained the carcinogen.
It can end up in products as a contaminant in the propellant, used to ensure the liquid is launched from the bottles at speed.
Customers should stop using the products immediately and return them to the seller for a full refund:
- Dove Dry Shampoo, Volume and Fullness;
- Dove Dry Shampoo, Volume and Fullness travel;
- Dove Dry Shampoo, Fresh Coconut;
- Dove Dry Shampoo, Fresh Coconut travel;
- Dove Dry Shampoo, Fresh and Floral;
- Dove Dry Shampoo, Ultra Clean;
- Dove Dry Shampoo, Invisible;
- Dove Dry Shampoo, Detox and Purify;
- Dove Dry Shampoo, Clarifying Charcoal;
- Dove Dry Shampoo, Go Active;
- Nexxus Dry Shampoo, Refreshing Mist;
- Nexxus, Inergy Foam Shampoo;
- Suave Dry Shampoo, Hair Refresher;
- Suave Pro. Dry Shampoo, Refresh and Revive;
- TRESemme Dry Shampoo, Volumizing;
- TRESemme Dry Shampoo, Fresh and Clean;
- TRESemme Pro Pure Dry Shampoo
- Bed Head, Oh Bee Hive Dry Shampoo;
- Bed Head, Oh Bee Hive Volumizing Dry Shampoo;
- Bed Head, Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo;
- Bed Head, Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo travel;
- Bed Head, Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo.
FAQs
What is even more dry shampoos found to have cancer-causing agent? ›
Group Finds 70% of Dry Shampoos Tested Had Cancer-Causing Chemical. An independent laboratory showed high levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, in 70% of dry shampoo samples tested. The amount of benzene in each shampoo varied across brands and different batches of products in the same brand.
What brand of dry shampoo is being recalled? ›Dove Dry Shampoo Clarifying Charcoal. Dove Dry Shampoo Go Active. Nexxus Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist. Nexxus Inergy Foam Shampoo.
Does dry shampoo have harmful chemicals? ›Some dry shampoo products might contain the chemical benzene, most likely as a contaminant. Although benzene exposure is associated with dangerous health effects, there is no evidence that occasional dry shampoo use is harmful to humans.
Which dry shampoo has elevated levels of benzene? ›Yes, a 2022 study conducted by Valisure found that 70 percent of those dry shampoos that were tested by the company contained benzene. The study analyzed 148 unique batches of dry shampoo from 34 different brands, which is a significant portion of the market.
What shampoos have cancer causing chemicals? ›Unilever and the FDA announced a recall of many other aerosol-based dry shampoos due to benzene and cancer risk in October 2022, including popular brands like Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé.
What are the cancer causing ingredients in shampoo? ›High levels of benzene, a cancer-causing chemical, have been detected in more brands and batches of dry shampoo products, according to a new report from Valisure, an independent laboratory.
Which dry shampoos do not contain benzene? ›- Hair Co-Wash. ...
- Eva NYC Freshen Up Invisible Dry Shampoo. ...
- GRO Dry Shampoo. ...
- Floof Dry Shampoo. ...
- ACURE Dry Shampoo - All Hair Types. ...
- Plant Based Dry Shampoo. ...
- Prêt-à-Powder Dry Shampoo Powder.
The report comes after certain aerosol dry shampoos, including some Dove, Nexxus, Suave, Tigi and Tresemme products, were voluntarily recalled last month due to the potential presence of benzene.
Is Batiste being recalled? ›Top-selling dry shampoos such as Not Your Mother's and Church & Dwight Co.'s Batiste contain high levels of benzene, the cancer-causing chemical that led Unilever to yank its product from shelves in October, according to a new independent study.
How do I know if my dry shampoo has benzene? ›- Check the ingredients list. On a bottle of Not Your Mother's Beach Babe, the brand Valisure found the highest levels of benzene in, the first two ingredients are isobutane and propane. ...
- Spot propellants. ...
- When in doubt, ditch the aerosols.
What dry shampoos are on the FDA recall list? ›
The FDA issued the voluntary recall on "dry shampoo aerosol products produced prior to October 2021 from Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé due to potentially elevated levels of benzene."
Does Batiste have benzene in it? ›Church & Dwight Co. has been hit with a proposed class action after some of its Batiste-brand dry shampoos were reportedly found to be contaminated with “dangerously high” levels of benzene, a carcinogen that has been linked to leukemia and other cancers.
Does Batiste dry shampoo have carcinogens? ›(WSAW) - A cancer-causing chemical that has caused nationwide recalls has been found in several dry shampoos that are still in stores. Batiste and Not Your Mothers are a few popular ones. Experts say there isn't a simple solution to avoid the chemical.
Which dry shampoos did Unilever recall due to benzene? ›FMCG giant Unilever has voluntarily recalled several brands of dry shampoo aerosol products, including Dove and Tresemmé, after having discovered that they contained “potentially elevated levels of benzene,” a chemical that can cause cancer.
What dry shampoos are Unilever recalling? ›Dry shampoo aerosol products produced prior to October 2021 from brands including Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé are included in the recall.
Did Batiste dry shampoo get recalled? ›Amadril and Skurauskis complaint seeks dry shampoo settlement benefits for all individuals who purchased the recalled Batiste dry shampoo products, and were unknowingly exposed to benzene.
Which shampoo does not cause cancer? ›- Odele.
- Ursa Major.
- 100% Pure.
- SheaMoisture.
- Hello Bello.
- Clean Clean.
- Kelsen.
- Yodi.
More than a million dry shampoo products from brands Bed Head TIGI, Dove and Tresemmé are being recalled across Canada due to the detection of a cancer-causing chemical.
Is Pantene cancer causing? ›Dozens of Pantene and Herbal Essences shampoos recalled for cancer-causing chemical. (CNN) -- Procter & Gamble has recalled more than 30 aerosol spray haircare products, including many dry shampoos and dry conditioners, warning that the products could contain benzene, a cancer-causing agent.
What is the number one bad ingredient in shampoo? ›Out of all the shampoo ingredients that are harmful, formaldehyde may be the scariest. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and has been proven to be absorbed through the skin in animal testing. Manufacturers often add it directly as a preservative.
Does Pantene shampoo have benzene in it? ›
"While benzene is not an ingredient in any of our products, our review showed that unexpected levels of benzene came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can," Procter & Gamble said, adding it initiated a review after other companies issued similar recalls.
Should I stop using dry shampoo? ›Bottom line: While dry shampoo is helpful and safe to use, it shouldn't become part of your daily hair-care routine or replace your actual shampoo. "You must wash your hair with water and a hydrating shampoo and conditioner at least once to twice weekly to maintain normal scalp health," says Gaunitz.
What beauty products contain benzene? ›Although benzene has recently been detected in antiperspirant and deodorant body spray, the independent laboratory Valisure found this highly toxic solvent in other consumer products over the last year, such as hand sanitizer, sunscreen, dry shampoo, and antifungal spray.
What products was benzene found in? ›Benzene is produced naturally by volcanoes and forest fires. In homes, benzene may be found in glues, adhesives, cleaning products, paint strippers, tobacco smoke and gasoline. Most benzene in the environment comes from our use of petroleum products. Benzene quickly evaporates from water or soil.
Is Dove Dry Shampoo safe? ›Last year was a tough one for dry shampoo lovers. We learned that an independent lab found top brands were contaminated with benzene, a potent carcinogen. Some brands like Pantene and Dove have already been recalled because of benzene.
What was the ingredient in dry shampoo that was recalled? ›Recently, several dry shampoo products have been voluntarily recalled. Benzene, a known cancer-causing ingredient, has been found in excess in several common household dry shampoo products. Benzene has been linked to leukemia and several other blood cancers.
Why is Pantene being recalled? ›We initiated this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution. Daily exposure to benzene in these aerosol dry conditioner spray products and aerosol dry shampoo spray products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.
Is Batiste dry shampoo cancerous? ›Church & Dwight Co. has been hit with a proposed class action after some of its Batiste-brand dry shampoos were reportedly found to be contaminated with “dangerously high” levels of benzene, a carcinogen that has been linked to leukemia and other cancers.
What shampoo does not have cancer causing ingredients? ›- Odele.
- Ursa Major.
- 100% Pure.
- SheaMoisture.
- Hello Bello.
- Clean Clean.
- Kelsen.
- Yodi.
Out of all the shampoo ingredients that are harmful, formaldehyde may be the scariest. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and has been proven to be absorbed through the skin in animal testing. Manufacturers often add it directly as a preservative.
What shampoo does not have carcinogens? ›
- Prose. Best For | Personalized hair care. ...
- JVN Hair. Best For | Ultra-hydrating formulas. ...
- 100% PURE. Best For | Affordable organic shampoo and conditioner. ...
- True Botanicals. Best For | Antioxidant-rich formulas. ...
- NatureLab Tokyo. ...
- Sienna Naturals. ...
- Ceremonia. ...
- Act + Acre.
The Answer is No: Here's Why. This recall was because P&G performed an internal analysis of their dry shampoo products and found detectable levels of benzene—a highly carcinogenic compound.
Is Pantene shampoo linked to cancer? ›Dozens of Pantene and Herbal Essences shampoos recalled for cancer-causing chemical. (CNN) -- Procter & Gamble has recalled more than 30 aerosol spray haircare products, including many dry shampoos and dry conditioners, warning that the products could contain benzene, a cancer-causing agent.
What is the carcinogen in dry shampoo? ›Benzene, a known cancer-causing ingredient, has been found in excess in several common household dry shampoo products. Benzene has been linked to leukemia and several other blood cancers.
What is the best chemical free shampoo? ›- True Botanicals (best of the best winner)
- Innersense Beauty.
- BeautyCounter (second best winner)
- Acure Organics.
- Rahua.
- Josh Rosebrook.
- Dessert Essence (best budget-friendly winner)
- Evolvh (color treated or curly hair)
What is the Unilever controversy of dry shampoo? Unilever has recalled certain shampoo aerosol products produced prior to October 2021 from Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé due to potentially elevated levels of benzene. Benzene is a human carcinogen.
What shampoo is on recall list? ›Recalled items included Dove, Nexxus, Suave, Rockaholic, Bed Head, and Tresemmé dry shampoo canisters produced before October 2021. This isn't the first time benzene contamination prompted a cosmetics recall in recent history.
Does TRESemmé shampoo have carcinogens? ›Global FMCG giant Unilever has recalled some popular brands of its aerosol dry shampoo, including Dove, Tresemme in the US and Canada markets after it was found that they were contaminated with benzene which can cause cancer.