Benzene-Free Dry Shampoos in 2023 - Safest Formulas

Understanding the Concerns Around Benzene in Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo has become a popular hair care product relied on by many to refresh locks between washes. However, recent recalls due to the detection of benzene, a known human carcinogen, in several brands has raised concerns among consumers.

In October 2022, Unilever recalled 19 of its dry shampoo aerosol products, including popular brands like Dove, Nexxus, Suave, and TRESemm. The voluntary recall came after an internal investigation found that some products had elevated levels of benzene.

While no adverse health events have been reported, the discovery has put a spotlight on the potential health risks of this chemical compound and the need for benzene-free dry shampoo options.

What is Benzene?

Benzene is a colorless or light yellow liquid that forms naturally in the environment. It can evaporate into the air very quickly and has a sweet odor.

Industrially, benzene is used to make plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs and pesticides. It's also found in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), benzene works by causing cells not to work correctly. For example, it can cause bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells, leading to anemia. It can also damage the immune system by changing blood levels of antibodies and causing the loss of white blood cells.

Health Risks of Benzene

Benzene is highly toxic and exposure can be very dangerous.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, benzene is a known carcinogen or cancer-causing substance. Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene in the air can cause leukemia and other blood cancers.

Short-term exposure to benzene may cause the following harmful effects:

• Irritation of the stomach, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsions, rapid heart rate
• Vomiting, irritation of the lungs, difficulty breathing
• Irritation of the eyes, skin, and throat
• Headache, confusion, unconsciousness

Chronic exposure to benzene primarily harms the blood and immune system. The major health conditions linked to long-term benzene exposure include:

• Aplastic anemia - the bone marrow stops producing enough new blood cells
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - a cancer of the blood-forming organs
• Myelodysplastic syndrome - dysfunction of the bone marrow
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - cancer that originates in the lymphatic system
• Bone marrow abnormalities - unhealthy blood cell production

How Does Benzene Get Into Dry Shampoo?

Benzene is not an ingredient intentionally added to dry shampoo formulas. However, the propellant used to dispense the product from the aerosol can may be a potential source of contamination.

Dry shampoos in aerosol cans contain propane, isobutane, and other propellants that are compressed into a liquefied gas. Trace levels of benzene can be found in these propellant gases, arising from the manufacturing and bottling process.

Over time, small amounts of propellant can also leak into the dry shampoo mixture. When contaminated propellant seeps in, it brings trace benzene along with it - which increases the risks of exposure with repeated use.

Choosing Benzene-Free Dry Shampoos

Thankfully, there are a number of dry shampoo options available that are free of benzene and other harsh chemicals.

1. Look for Non-Aerosol Formulas

To avoid potential benzene exposure from propellants, choose dry shampoos that come in a powder, sprinkle, or spray bottle format instead of a pressurized aerosol can.

These non-aerosol shampoos use rice starch, arrowroot, kaolin clay, cornstarch or other natural absorbers to soak up oils. They don't require chemical propellants to dispense the product.

2. Select Plant-Based Formulas

Many natural dry shampoos are made from plant-derived ingredients like grain and rice starches, coconut charcoal, seaweed powder, and botanical extracts.

Going with plant-based formulas means avoiding synthetic fragrances, silicone, and chemical propellants associated with benzene formation.

3. Look for Third Party Testing

Some clean dry shampoo brands undergo independent third-party testing to verify the product is free of benzene and other harsh contaminants.

This type of rigorous testing offers assurance that the formula adheres to certain purity and safety standards.

4. Check the Ingredient List

Get in the habit of reading the ingredient label before purchasing a new dry shampoo. Avoid formulations with chemical propellants like butane, propane, and isobutane.

Also beware of terms like "fragrance" or "parfum" which can hide synthetic ingredients associated with benzene formation.

5. Go for Transparent Brands

Look for dry shampoo brands that disclose their full ingredients list and production practices. Ethical companies committed to transparency tend to offer cleaner formulas.

You can usually find independent lab reports and safety information on their websites.

5 Top-Rated Benzene-Free Dry Shampoos

1. Captain Blankenship Mermaid Dry Shampoo

This non-aerosol powder uses organic tapioca and arrowroot to gently absorb oil and refine texture. It's a vegan formula free of aluminum, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.

2. Acure Curiously Clarifying Dry Shampoo

Made with plant starches and essential oils, Acure's dry shampoo absorbs oil without chalky residue. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.

3. Bold Unscented Vegetarian Dry Shampoo

This hypoallergenic formula uses soothing rice proteins instead of silicones or propellants. The easy-to-apply powder is unscented and dermatologist-tested.

4. Kosas Cosmetics Dry Conditioning Spray

A unique dry spray made with plant-based emollients to cleanse hair without drying. It has a light rose scent and comes in recyclable aluminum packaging.

5. Klorane Dermatologist-Tested Dry Shampoo

This gentle French formula uses organic oat milk powder to absorb excess sebum. It's free of sodium chloride and parabens.

Tips for Using Dry Shampoo Safely

When shopping for benzene-free dry shampoos, also keep these tips in mind for safe use:

Shake Well Before Use

Vigorously shake the bottle first to mix any settled powders or propellants evenly back into the formula before spraying.

Use Sparingly

Apply dry shampoo selectively just to the roots or oiliest sections instead of all over. Using too much raises exposure risk.

Don't Inhale

When applying dry shampoo, hold your breath to avoid inhaling the spray. This can minimize accidental inhalation of any stray propellant fumes.

Wash Hands After

Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after use to avoid contact exposure to any lingering chemical residue.

Give It Time Before Styling

Let the dry shampoo sit and soak up oils for several minutes before brushing, heat styling, or touching your hair. This allows any sprays to settle.

Switch Between Brands

Rotate different dry shampoo brands and formulas to prevent overexposure to any one product.

The Bottom Line

Recent recalls have highlighted concerns about benzene contamination in dry shampoo, specifically in spray cans. To reduce exposure, look for non-aerosol or plant-based formulas free of harsh propellants.

Transparent brands that undergo independent testing offer greater assurance that products are free of toxins like benzene. But also use dry shampoos sparingly and take precautions to minimize inhalation and contact when applying.

Being an informed, safety-conscious consumer helps ensure the dry shampoos you use are not putting your health at risk.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.