Dry Shampoo Recall & Why It Concerns You

Late last year, over 30 aerosol spray haircare products from Procter & Gamble (P&G) were recalled. Now we're seeing a second wave of recalls from Unilever for brands like Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI, and TRESemmé. The recall was spurred by benzene, a cancer-causing agent, which is found in many aerosol dry shampoos. Benzene is found in the air from emissions from coal, gas, and car exhaust. People are generally exposed to benzene through breathing. 

While any cancer-causing product is concerning, finding these dangerous agents in personal care products is particularly alarming. Let’s break down why this recall is so important:

Why Benzene Is Dangerous in Aerosol Dry Shampoo

Benzene exposure can occur through inhaling the gas or through the skin. This exposure can lead to cancer, as well as drowsiness, dizziness, irritation, blood disorders, and reproductive issues. The more someone is exposed to benzene, the more likely they are to experience these harmful effects. With a product that is used as regularly as dry shampoo, this can mean chronic exposure, potentially worsening the effects. When you consider how much of the product you can inhale when applying it, the risk seems even greater. 

What’s Wrong with Aerosol Dry Shampoo?

Though regulations on aerosols have evolved over the years to try to be less harmful to the ozone layer, aerosols still pose a danger. While CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are no longer allowed, many aerosols contains volatile organic compounds, VOCs, which contribute to ozone levels on the ground level, like smog. Aerosols aren’t alone in containing VOCs – perfumes, fingernail polish, perfumes, and other personal care products emit them as well. 

Many aerosol dry shampoos may contain concerning ingredients like drying alcohols and fragrance. Drying alcohols, like denatured alcohol, can be excessively drying and cause significant irritation on the scalp. Artificial fragrance poses a similar risk. You could be exposed to several irritating or unsafe ingredients without even knowing!

Each can of dry shampoo is anywhere from 10-70% gas, meaning you could be getting much more gas than product with each spray. And your scalp absorbs at a higher rate than other parts of the skin, making it particularly sensitive. This Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) is usually a mix of propane and butane, which are highly flammable – not exactly what you want to be on your sensitive scalp, is it? 

Aerosol Dry Shampoo Alternatives

The good news is: not all dry shampoos are aerosols! Powder dry shampoo presents a much safer and more environmentally friendly dry shampoo option. Without the aerosol component, powder dry shampoo removes the dangerous gasses and, often, the drying alcohols as well.

Our powder dry shampoo is made of nourishing ingredients that are safe for all hair types. It is vegan and cruelty-free, and it’s made without sulfates, silicones, parabens, preservatives, talc, or artificial fragrance. Using it just once or twice a week can lead to healthier, shinier, fresh-feeling hair thanks to bamboo powder to absorb excess oil and hydrolyzed rice protein to add extra volume. 

Powder dry shampoo is also travel-friendly and environmentally friendly. Instead of being in an aerosol can, it comes in a recyclable (and reusable) container!