Benzene in Aerosol Dry Shampoo: What the Recalls Mean for You

Dry shampoo is a staple for many women who wash less often as hair gets drier with age. In 2021 and 2022, several large personal care companies recalled some aerosol dry shampoo sprays because testing found benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer. If you have older cans at the back of a cabinet, here is what the recalls said and what to do.

What happened

In December 2021, one company recalled aerosol dry shampoo and dry conditioner sprays sold under several brands. It said benzene isn’t an ingredient in its products, and that unexpected levels came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can.¹

In October 2022, another company recalled select lots of aerosol dry shampoo made before October 2021, across several brands. Its investigation also traced the benzene to the propellant.²

The FDA¹ has also listed aerosols such as antiperspirants and sunscreens among products recalled for benzene, and it names isobutane, a spray propellant, as one possible source of contamination.³

How worried should you be?

Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure can happen by breathing it in, swallowing it or through the skin, and it can cause blood cancers such as leukemia.¹²

Both companies reported that, based on health hazard evaluations, daily exposure at the levels found in their recalled products wouldn’t be expected to cause adverse health effects, and that they were recalling out of caution.¹² Benzene is also common in the everyday environment, including car exhaust and cigarette smoke.²³

Those statements are reassuring for occasional past use, but they’re the companies’ own assessments. The simple step is to stop using any recalled can.

How to check a can

1. Look up recalls. Search the FDA’s¹ recalls page or the maker’s website for the product name.
2. Find the lot code. The October 2022 recall applied to specific lot codes, usually printed on the bottom of the can.²
3. Stop using recalled products and follow the maker’s instructions for reimbursement.²
4. Clear out old cans. If you can’t read the code or the can is several years old, it may be simpler to throw it away according to your local rules for aerosols.

Options without a spray propellant

If you’d rather skip aerosols, dry shampoo also comes as loose powder and as foam. Our article on dry shampoo mistakes covers how often to use it and when to wash it out.

When the scalp needs attention

Itching, flaking, redness or more shedding than usual can have many causes, from product buildup to skin conditions. If changing products doesn’t help within a few weeks, see a dermatologist. Our guide to why hair thins explains common causes of shedding.

Try: “I’ve used dry shampoo for years and my scalp has been itchy and flaky. Could it be the product, and what should I use instead?”

Hair, Everywhere includes a gentle-styling checklist and a monthly Hair Log. Use them to track the products you use and how your scalp responds, and bring the log to your appointment. See the book.