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. To date, there have been no reports of adverse events related to the products.
Benzene Is Classified as a Human Carcinogen
Benzene is classified as a known carcinogen, according the American Cancer Society. Substances that may cause cancer are classified as known, probable, and possible carcinogens. The chemical can occur naturally in the environment and is found in crude oil and gasoline. Benzene is also used to make some types of lubricants, detergents, dyes, and pesticides, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Benzene exposure can occur via inhalation, orally, and through the skin. Most people are exposed to it by breathing air that contains the chemical. Workers in industries that produce or use benzene may be exposed at the highest level, but mainstream cigarette smoke is another source, and accounts for about half the total U.S. population exposure to the chemical.
Recalled Products Not Expected to Cause Health Issues
The chemical is hazardous because it can cause cells to malfunction. For example, it can cause bone marrow not to make enough red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. Benzene exposure can result in cancers including leukemia, blood cancer of the bone marrow, and potentially life-threatening blood disorders. The risk posed by benzene depends on the amount, route, and length of time a person was exposed, as well as the age and any preexisting medical conditions of the exposed person. Based on an independent health hazard evaluation, daily exposure to benzene in the recalled dry shampoos would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences, per the FDA’s statement. Unilever U.S. is recalling the products “out of an abundance of caution.” An internal investigation identified the propellant as the source of the benzene, and the company has worked with its propellant suppliers to address the issue, according to the company’s statement. When a user presses the valve on top of a can or bottle, the propellant forces the product contained within through an internal tube and out of the valve, creating a spray or foam.
What to Do if You Have Purchased a Dry Shampoo Included in the Recall
According to the October 17 statement, all the recalled products were made before October 2021 — a complete list of recalled products can be found here. No other products from Unilever or its brands are impacted by this recall. The dry shampoos included in the recall have been sold all over the United States; stores selling the products have been notified to remove them from shelves. Consumers who have purchased any of these products should stop using them. If you’ve purchased one of the recalled products, you’re eligible to receive a refund or reimbursement. For multiple products, proof of purchase will be required in the form of a receipt or photo of the lot code, found on the bottom of the products. To find out if your product is included in the recall and to request a reimbursement, visit the company website or contact Unilever U.S. by calling 877-270-7412, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax. Complete and submit the report online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm To send by regular mail or fax, download the form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the preaddressed form, or submit by fax to 800-FDA-0178.
