P&G Recalls More Than 30 Dry Shampoos and Dry Conditioners Over Benzene Concerns

VOLUNTARY RECALLP&G Recalls More Than 30 Dry Shampoos and Dry Conditioners Over Benzene ConcernsThe voluntary recall was announced after trace amounts of the known carcinogen were found in numerous aerosol spray products from Pantene, Aussie, Herbal Essences, and more.

By Marci Robin

December 22, 2021

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Procter & Gamble has announced the voluntary recall of numerous dry shampoos and dry conditioners from several of its brands following tests that revealed the presence of benzene. The known carcinogen was found in more than 30 aerosol sprays in those specific hair-product categories from Pantene, Aussie, Herbal Essences, Waterless, Old Spice, and Hair Food, though "the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences," according to a statement from P&G. The company says it is conducting the recall out of an abundance of caution and has not received any reports of adverse events related to benzene in its dry shampoos and conditioners. 

Benzene is a naturally occurring chemical found in volcanoes and forest fires, and "a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke," according to the CDC, which says that most people are exposed to it every day due to the air we breathe containing low levels from tobacco smoke, motor vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions. Commonly used in the production of plastics and detergents and found in glue and paint, benzene is not an intentional ingredient in personal-care products. P&G recognizes in its statement that exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin, and it can lead to cancers, including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow, as well as blood disorders.

"Following recent reports that indicated traces of benzene in some aerosol spray products, we began a review of our total portfolio of aerosol products," P&G's statement reads. "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. We detected benzene in aerosol dry shampoo spray products and aerosol dry conditioner spray products."

Recent reports of benzene in some aerosol spray products include those from Johnson & Johnson, which, in July 2021, issued a voluntary recall for several Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreen sprays. Like P&G, J&J said the recall was being done out of an abundance of caution.

"I'm not worried about trace amounts of benzene," dermatologist and associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, Macrene Alexiades, M.D., previously told Allure. "What I am worried about is benzene levels of over 6 ppm, exceeding three times the maximum allowable. That is very worrisome and very carcinogenic when applied to large skin surface areas," she says. Dr. Alexiades adds that because benzene is a very volatile solvent, it can penetrate the cell membrane very quickly and easily, so if you have it on the skin surface, it is able to easily reach the bloodstream. 

It's important to note that there is currently no indication that the amount of benzene found in any of the recalled P&G products was above the maximum allowable level, and no other products by Pantene, Aussie, Herbal Essences, Waterless, Old Spice, or Hair Food are affected by this recall.

P&G says that retailers have been alerted to remove recalled products from shelves; the affected Old Spice and Hair Food products were previously discontinued. "Our brands will also offer reimbursement for consumers who have purchased products impacted by this recall," the company wrote in its statement. "Consumers should stop using and appropriately discard the affected aerosol dry conditioner spray products and aerosol dry shampoo spray products."

More information on exactly which products and lots are included in the voluntary recall and how to receive reimbursement can be found here or by calling 1-888-674-3631. For more information on benzene, read our recent report on benzene found in certain sunsceens.

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Keywordsdry shampoodry conditionerProcter & GambleP&Grecallcarcinogenaerosolhair productsNews