This past summer, Johnson & Johnson recalled a handful of aerosol sunscreens after detecting low levels of the potentially cancer-causing chemical benzene in various samples. Fast forward to this week, a similar event occurred with personal-care conglomerate Procter & Gamble (P&G), who issued a voluntary recall of more than 30 aerosol dry shampoos and dry conditioners due to trace amounts of benzene.
“Following recent reports that indicated traces of benzene in some aerosol spray products, we began a review of our total portfolio of aerosol products,” reads a release from P&G. “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. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of the consumers who use our products and the quality of the products we ship.”
Drugstore mainstays including Pantene, Aussie, Herbal Essences, Old Spice, Hair Food and Waterl<ss were included in the recall.
Recalled Dry Shampoos:
Herbal Essences Blue Ginger Refresh Dry Shampoo, Herbal Essences White Grapefruit & Mint Dry Shampoo, Herbal Essences White Strawberry & Sweet Mint Dry Shampoo, Herbal Essences Cucumber & Green Tea Dry Shampoo, Herbal Essences Cucumber & Green Tea Dry Shampoo, Pantene Dry Shampoo No Water Refresh, Pantene Dry Shampoo Sheer Volume, Pantene Never Tell Dry Shampoo, Aussie After Hours Dry Shampoo Texture Spray, Aussie Tousle Hustle Dry Shampoo, Aussie Bounce Back Dry Shampoo, Aussie Clean Color Protect Shampoo, Aussie Clean Texture Dry Shampoo, Aussie Clean Volume Dry Shampoo, Waterl<ss Dry Shampoo No Residue, Waterl<ss Dry Shampoo No Residue, Hair Food Coconut Dry Shampoo, Old Spice Fiji Dry Shampoo, Old Spice Pure Sport Dry Shampoo
Recalled Dry Conditioners:
Waterl<ss Dry Conditioner Weightless Smooth, Waterl<ss Dry Conditioner Instant Moisture, Waterl<ss Dry Conditioner Weightless Smooth, Waterl<ss Dry Conditioner Instant Moisture, Pantene Sultry Bronde All in One Luxury Mist, Pantene Smooth Talker Dry Conditioning Oil, Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioning Mist, Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioning Mist, Pantene Mist Behaving Dry Conditioning Mist, Pantene Gold Series Instant Nourishing Spray, Aussie Smooth Vibes Dry Conditioner, Aussie Petal Soft Dry Conditioner, Aussie Sleekend Warrior Dry Conditioner
“The vast majority of our products are not part of this recall, including mousses, hairsprays, liquid shampoos, liquid conditioners, styling products, treatments and unaffected aerosol dry shampoo spray,” the statement continues.
All recalled products had previously been distributed throughout many retailers and online outlets. While the levels detected should not cause adverse effects, P&G has alerted all retailers to remove all items that may contain benzene from shelves. If you personally own any of these products, P&G recommends throwing them out. To receive reimbursements for your prior purchases and learn more information, check the recalled brand’s websites.
