Unilever Recalls Every Busy Parent’s Go-To Product—Dry Shampoo

Being a parent is a full-time job, and sometimes the little things like washing your hair just aren’t in the cards. When day six starts to look a little rough, dry shampoo comes to the rescue, saving millions of people from sporting greasy hair. Unfortunately, your miracle, go-to hair product may be harboring some harmful chemicals.

Beauty and personal care product manufacturer Unilever has issued a voluntary recall of more than a dozen of its dry shampoo products after low levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene were detected during an internal review.

Popular brands, including Dove, Nexxus, Suave, Bed Head, TRESemmé and TIGI, have been affected by the recall. The investigation revealed that the propellant in the dry shampoo spray cans was the source of the benzene, and while Unilever believes the small amount of benzene potentially released is not harmful, the brand has decided to recall all affected products out of caution. Unilever said in a statement that it had not yet received reports of adverse events from customers.

Classified as a human carcinogen, exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally and through the skin. Although many Americans are exposed to low levels of benzene daily, in consistent high volumes, it can potentially lead to cancers, including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow.

Unilever encourages consumers to check whether their product is affected by reviewing the recalled lot numbers on this list. People with affected products are advised to stop using them immediately and can request a reimbursement from Unilever.

This isn’t the first benzene-related recall this year. Over six recalls have been made this year due to benzene, including the recall of Banana Boat sunscreen and Suave spray deodorant.

If you are looking for safe, clean beauty alternatives, check out these 5 pregnancy-safe skin care lines made by moms, for moms.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.