Dry Shampoo Brands Voluntarily Recalled by Unilever Due to Cancer-Causing Chemical

Unilever has issued a voluntary recall for several dry shampoo brands due to potential elevated levels of benzene, a cancer-causing chemical.¹

In an announcement by the company that was published on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, Unilever United States said the recalled products were all manufactured prior to October 2021. The voluntary recall involves brands such as Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé. Unilever stated that the recall is out of an abundance of caution and said it has not received any reports of adverse events in relation to the recall.

The FDA says that daily exposure to the chemical in the recalled products at the levels found in testing “would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.”

The products were distributed nationwide in the United States and the FDA said retailers have been notified to remove recalled products from shelves. Anyone who has these products in their home is being asked to stop using them immediately.

Benzene is among the 20 most widely used chemicals in the United States. It is used as a starting material in making other chemicals, including plastics, lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally and through the skin.

Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen., as studies have found a connection between the chemical and cancer, based on evidence from studies in both people and lab animals. The link between benzene and cancer has focused on leukemia and other cancers of blood cells.

Unilever is directing consumers to a website set up in connection to the recall for instructions on how to receive reimbursements for eligible products. The website says, “If you purchased any of these products with the affected UPC and lot codes, you should stop using them. Consumers with affected products will 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 on the bottom of the products.”

Adverse reactions to the products, meanwhile, can be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online, by mail, or by fax.

This article originally appeared on Dermatology Times.

Reference

1. Unilever issues voluntary US recall of select dry shampoos due to potential presence of benzene. News Release. FDA. Published October 21, 2022. Accessed October 24, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/unilever-issues-voluntary-us-recall-select-dry-shampoos-due-potential-presence-benzene