Unilever has recalled a number of popular haircare products over concern that they may contain a cancer-causing chemical.
The Food and Drug Administration said that Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI and TRESemmé aerosol dry shampoos have been recalled due to the potential presence of benzene, according to CNN. Affected products include Dove Dry Shampoo Volume and Fullness, Dove Dry Shampoo Fresh Coconut, Nexxus Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist and Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Refresh and Revive. All recalled products were produced prior to Oct. 2021 and were distributed through a number of retailers, nationwide, according to CNN.
Unilever Issues Voluntary U.S. Recall of Select Dry Shampoos Due to Potential Presence of Benzene https://t.co/js3jXHx64e pic.twitter.com/r6ta7i6ofW
— U.S. FDA Recalls (@FDArecalls) October 24, 2022
Benzene is a dangerous chemical linked to various forms of cancer, according to CNN, with benzene exposure occurring via absorption through the skin, through inhalation, or orally. The recall notice warns that blood cancer and leukemia can develop in people exposed to benzene, according to CNN.
Unilever has posted instructions for reimbursements and returns on their website UnileverRecall.com. The website also includes a complete list of the products this recall comprises.
The public warning identifies this as being a “voluntary recall of select lot codes” and indicates that the health risk is low. (RELATED: Kraft Heinz Issues Recall For Capri Sun Wild Cherry)
DRY SHAMPOO RECALL: Unilever says it’s recalling dry shampoo aerosol products sold nationwide because they may contain elevated levels of benzene, a human carcinogen. https://t.co/uCEOqp3hTa
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) October 24, 2022
“Based on an independent health hazard evaluation, daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in our testing is not expected to cause adverse health consequences,” Unilever said in a statement. “Unilever is recalling these products out of an abundance of caution.”
Consumers are being instructed to stop using the affected products immediately.
This is not the first time a haircare product has caused concern for consumers. Procter & Gamble recalled more than 30 aerosol spray haircare products in 2021. That particular recall also included dry conditioners, Old Spice aerosol deodorants and sprays, all of which were believed to contain benzene, according to CNN.