Recall of Dove, Tresemme dry shampoos due to possible carcinogens

By Cara Murez

Health Day Reporter

TUESDAY, October 25, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Unilever announced Monday that it has recalled certain dry shampoo sprays because they may contain elevated levels of benzene.

The propellant used in products sold under the Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head) and TRESemmé brand names appears to be the source of the benzene.

Benzene is a human carcinogen that can cause leukemia, blood marrow cancer, and life-threatening blood disorders.

Still, daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels found in the tests “would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences,” Unilever noted in its recall notice.

This is not the only benzene-related recall from Unilever in recent months. The company, which makes a variety of beauty and food products, recalled two Suave-brand 24-hour protective aerosol antiperspirants in March after an internal review found benzene in samples. CBS News reported.

Unilever isn’t the only company with these problems, either.

Procter & Gamble last December recalled six of its brands of aerosol dry shampoo and conditioners because of benzene. Three other companies recalled products this year for the same reason as others last year, CBS News reported.

Benzene is found in both gasoline and cigarette smoke. People can also pick up the chemical by touching petroleum products or eating contaminated food and drink. CBS News reported.

Anyone with home ownership of the affected aerosol dry shampoo products should visit UnileverRecall.com to request a refund.

More information

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more information about the recall.

SOURCE: CBS News