Is There Benzene in Dry Shampoo?

The Short Answer

Yes, benzene is a major problem in aerosol dry shampoos. Independent testing in late 2022 found that 70% of aerosol dry shampoos contained benzene, a known human carcinogen linked to leukemia.

The issue isn't the shampoo formula itself, but the propellants (butane, isobutane, and propane) used to blast the powder out of the can. These petroleum-based gases are often contaminated with benzene during processing. While giants like Unilever (Dove, Suave) and P&G (Pantene, Herbal Essences) recalled millions of cans, other brands with high test levels—specifically Not Your Mother's and Batiste—did not issue recalls, though Batiste settled a class-action lawsuit.

Why This Matters

Benzene causes cancer. There is no safe level of benzene exposure. The FDA has a strict limit of 2 parts per million (ppm) for drugs where benzene is "unavoidable," but dry shampoos are cosmetics, not drugs. Independent lab Valisure found levels as high as 340 ppm in some products—170 times the emergency limit.

You inhale it directly. Unlike a lotion you wash off, dry shampoo is sprayed in a cloud around your head, often in small bathrooms with poor ventilation. You breathe it in, and it sits on your scalp all day. This makes the risk significantly higher than benzene in wash-off products.

The "Clean" label won't save you. Many contaminated brands market themselves as "clean" or "natural." Because benzene is a contaminant, not an ingredient, it never appears on the label. You cannot tell if an aerosol can is safe just by reading the back.

Which Brands Were Recalled?

Massive voluntary recalls occurred between 2021 and 2022. If you have older cans of these in your cabinet, throw them away.

Unilever Recall (Oct 2022):

• Dove (Volume & Fullness, Fresh Coconut)
• Nexxus (Refreshing Mist, Inergy Foam)
• Suave (Professionals, Hair Refresher)
• TRESemmé (Volumizing, Fresh & Clean)
• Bed Head (Oh Bee Hive, Dirty Secret)

Procter & Gamble Recall (Dec 2021):

• Pantene
• Herbal Essences
• Old Spice
• Aussie
• Waterl

Brands That Tested High BUT DID NOT Recall:

• Not Your Mother's (Found to have highest levels in Valisure study)
• Batiste (Settled class action for $2.5M; claims new batches are safe)
• Sun Bum
• Paul Mitchell

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• Non-Aerosol Pumps: If it's a loose powder or a non-aerosol pump, there is zero benzene risk.
• "Tested" Transparency: Brands like Amika and Olaplex publicly release lab reports confirming their propellant supply is tested for benzene down to 0.1 ppm.
• Air-Powered Sprays: Some newer bottles use physical air pressure rather than chemical propellants.

Red Flags:

• "Butane / Isobutane / Propane": If these are the first ingredients, the product relies on petroleum propellants. It doesn't guarantee benzene, but it introduces the risk of contamination.
• Silence: Brands that were implicated in studies but issued no statement, recall, or testing data should be avoided.
• Old Cans: Any aerosol dry shampoo manufactured before 2023 is suspect.

The Best Options

The only way to be 100% sure you are avoiding benzene is to stop using chemical aerosols. However, some aerosol brands have implemented strict testing protocols.

The Bottom Line

1. Ditch the aerosol. The safest move is switching to a powder or pump spray. It takes practice to apply, but it eliminates the cancer risk entirely. What Dry Shampoo Is Safe

2. Check your cabinets. If you have aerosol dry shampoos from Dove, Suave, or Pantene bought before 2023, check the recall lists and toss them.

3. Trust transparency. If you must use an aerosol, buy from brands like Amika or Living Proof that explicitly state they test every batch for benzene.

FAQ

Does Batiste dry shampoo have benzene?

Yes, it has tested positive in the past. Independent lab Valisure found benzene in Batiste products in 2022. While Batiste did not issue a recall, they agreed to a $2.5 million settlement in 2023. We recommend avoiding it until independent testing confirms it is consistently clean.

Is Not Your Mother's dry shampoo safe?

No, we recommend avoiding it. In the 2022 Valisure study, Not Your Mother's products had the highest detected levels of benzene (up to 340 ppm) of any brand tested. The company denied the findings and did not issue a recall, despite the data.

Can I tell if my dry shampoo has benzene?

No. Benzene is odorless and colorless at the levels found in these products. It does not appear on the ingredient label because it is a contaminant, not an ingredient. The only way to know is through lab testing.

Are all aerosol sprays dangerous?

Not all, but they all carry risk. Any product using butane, isobutane, or propane as a propellant can be contaminated if the raw materials aren't purified properly. Non-aerosol powders are the only format with zero risk.