Unilever Recalls Select Dry Shampoo Products After Finding Benzene in Them

Unilever has issued a voluntary recall of 19 popular dry shampoo aerosol products due to the potential presence of benzene, a cancer-causing agent.

The affected brands include Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé. The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the United States and produced prior to October 2021. According to a company press release, an internal investigation identified the propellant as the source, and Unilever has worked with its propellant suppliers to address the issue. 

It’s not the first time aerosol products have been recalled due to benzene concerns—P&G has also recalled certain aerosol spray products last year for the same reason.

Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin, and can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders. Unilever noted that the levels of benzene aren’t high enough to cause health issues, and while there have not been any reports of “adverse events," they’re moving forward with the recall out of "an abundance of caution."

No other products from Unilever or its brands are impacted by this recall. That means you can continue to use other products from those lines as intended, including mousses, hairsprays, liquid shampoos, liquid conditioners, styling products, treatments, and aerosol dry shampoo spray products with production code ranges different from those specifically communicated.

Retailers have been told to remove the recalled products from shelves. Those who have already purchased the affected products, which were sold in stores across the United States as well as online, are asked to throw them away. You can also visit UnileverRecall.com for instructions on how to receive reimbursement for eligible products. Further questions can be directed to Unilever U.S. by calling (877) 270-7412, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST.

You can find a full list of recalled products below, as well as the UPC and lot codes here.

• Dove Dry Shampoo Volume and Fullness
• Dove Dry Shampoo Fresh Coconut
• Dove Dry Shampoo Fresh and Floral
• Dove Dry Shampoo Ultra Clean
• Dove Dry Shampoo Invisible
• Dove Dry Shampoo Detox and Purify
• Dove Dry Shampoo Clarifying Charcoal
• Dove Dry Shampoo Go Active
• Nexxus Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist
• Nexxus Inergy Foam Shampoo
• Suave Dry Shampoo Hair Refresher
• Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Refresh and Revive
• Tresemme Dry Shampoo Volumizing
• Tresemme Dry Shampoo Fresh and Clean
• Tresemme Pro Pure Dry Shampoo
• Bed Head Oh Bee Hive Dry Shampoo
• Bed Head Oh Bee Hive Volumizing Dry Shampoo
• Bed Head Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo
• Bed Head Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo