Benzene Detected in Dozens of Dry Shampoo Products

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are looking into whether a class action lawsuit can be filed in light of recent test results showing that dozens of dry shampoo products contain benzene, a human carcinogen.

The tests, performed by independent laboratory Valisure, suggest that some of the products contain as much as 170 times the federal limit for benzene in drugs. Because of benzene’s toxicity, even low exposure to it can lead to cancer, and relevant research has suggested that there is likely “no safe level of exposure” to the toxic chemical.

Benzene Detected in Dozens of Dry Shampoo Products

Valisure, an independent laboratory who has been analyzing consumer products for benzene since late 2020, reported on November 1 that it had tested samples of dry shampoo products across 34 brands and found that 70 percent of the samples contained “quantifiable levels of benzene.”

Benzene is known to cause cancer in humans, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has listed it among a group of chemicals banned from use in drug products because of their “unacceptable toxicity.” The FDA states that if benzene’s presence in a drug is “unavoidable,” its levels must be restricted to only 2 parts per million (ppm).

Valisure’s testing found that some dry shampoo spray samples contained up to 170 times the FDA’s “emergency” limit, the “highest and most broadly detected” levels of benzene that the lab has ever observed in a consumer product.

The company’s CEO noted that these results are “cause for significant concern” since dry shampoo products are normally used indoors and can remain in the air for long periods of time, increasing the risk of exposure by inhalation.

In light of these concerns, Valisure filed a citizen petition with the FDA calling on the agency to request a recall of the contaminated dry shampoo products.

Which Products Are Under Investigation?

The following dry shampoo products were found by Valisure to contain benzene. Click on the brand name to view the individual hair products.

Health Risks of Benzene Exposure

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), benzene causes the cells in your body to not work correctly and can lead to cancer and other health hazards.

How Could a Lawsuit Help?

A class action lawsuit could help consumers get back some of the money they spent on the dry shampoo products and possibly force the manufacturers to change how they make or advertise the products.

Before commenting, please review our comment policy.