Unilever Recalls Dry Shampoos Due to Traces of Potentially Cancer-Causing Benzene

Unilever has issued the voluntary recall of 19 aerosol dry-shampoo products. The recall affects select dry shampoos produced before October 2021. Retailers across the country have been told to remove the recalled dry shampoo from shelves, Unilever said.

Based on an independent health-hazard evaluation, daily exposure to benzene in the recalled hair products at the levels detected in testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences, Unilever said in its release. It said the company is recalling the products out of an abundance of caution. Unilever said it has received no reports of adverse events to date relating to this recall.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the long-term effects of benzene exposure can include life-threatening blood disorders, significant damage to bone marrow, and cancer, specifically leukemia. The seriousness of benzene poisoning depends on the intensity and length of exposure, among other factors, the CDC says.

The personal care industry has faced a number of benzene-related recalls in the past two years.

Dry shampoo, typically sprayed or rubbed onto oil-prone areas of the scalp or hair, is marketed as a timesaver, and stylists often encourage clients to use it periodically instead of frequently shampooing hair in the shower or bath, which can damage hair or build up residue over the long run.

Benzene is formed both naturally and through human activity, the CDC says, noting that people nationwide are exposed to the chemical daily, at various levels, from sources including tobacco smoke, indoor paint and gas appliances.

Benzene exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. The CDC says that immediate signs of high-level exposure include dizziness, vomiting, unconsciousness and, in especially severe cases, more serious illness and death.