Dry Shampoo Benzene Lawsuit

A variety of aerosol dry shampoo and conditioner spray products have been recalled after they tested positive for benzene, a cancer-causing chemical.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting benzene induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with cancer from benzene in a recalled dry shampoo or conditioner product, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

UPDATE: Unilever Recalls Dry Shampoo for Benzene Contamination

In October 2022, Unilever issued a voluntary recall for certain dry shampoo aerosol products that may be contaminated with benzene. The recall involves products that were produced before October 2021, including Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head) and TRESemmé.

P&G Recalls Dry Shampoo and Conditioner for Benzene

In December 2021, Procter & Gamble recalled a variety of aerosol dry shampoo and conditioner products that are contaminated with benzene, a cancer-causing chemical.

What Products Were Recalled?

The recall involves products were sold in aerosol spray cans under brand-names such as:

• Pantene
• Aussie
• Herbal Essences
• Waterless
• Old Spice
• Hair Food

Click here for a list of recalled aerosol dry shampoo and conditioners.

What is the Risk?

Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen (substance that causes cancer in people). Exposure “can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life-threatening,” according to the recall notice.

P&G claims that “daily exposure to benzene at the levels in the recalled products would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.”

What is the Problem?

Benzene has recently been found in a wide range of aerosol spray products for consumers, including sunscreen, deodorant, and anti-fungal foot spray. When people spray these products, they could potentially breathe benzene in the air or absorb it through their skin, resulting in health problems.

How Does Benzene Get Into Dry Shampoo?

Benzene is not an ingredient in these consumer products. Instead, it is likely a contaminant of propane, which is the substance that is used to spray the product out of the can.

The problem of benzene contamination in consumer products was first identified by the independent laboratory Valisure. David Light, CEO of Valisure, blamed the problem on the butane propellant that sprays the product out of the can:

“Butane is lighter fluid. Propane is the same thing you use to light your grill. These gases come out of the ground, as benzene does as well. Benzene is a known contaminant of these products. It seems likely these propellants are the source.”

In the recall notice, P&G confirmed that the propellant was the likely source of benzene contamination in dry shampoo and conditioner. According to the recall: “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.”

Do I have a Dry Shampoo Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting benzene induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with cancer from benzene in a recalled dry shampoo or conditioner product, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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