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If you can’t imagine a life without dry shampoo, we’re right there with you. For so many, it’s a holy grail product that helps absorb excess oil so you can put off washing your hair for another day.
However, it’s important to note that several dry shampoos from a number of brands have been recalled recently due to reports of potentially harmful levels of benzene. But what is benzene, why is it bad for you, and what is it doing in your favorite dry shampoos? More importantly, what’s a girl to do when your holy grail hair product might interfere with your health? Let’s investigate.
What is benzene?
Benzene is an organic chemical compound that has been determined to be a known carcinogen, according to the CDC. High levels of exposure to benzene can lead to various health consequences, including cancer reproductive problems.
Why is benzene in dry shampoo harmful?
Benzene is a known carcinogen that has been linked to various health problems, including leukemia, anemia, immune system damage, and reproductive issues. Because of this, it is generally recommended that you look for hair products, including dry shampoos, that are formulated without benzene.
Benzene is not an ingredient that is used to make dry shampoo, instead, it appears in products as the result of a chemical reaction that may occur in aerosol cans, which is why a number of spray deodorants and sunscreens have also been recalled for containing detectable levels of benzene. Essentially, the propellant used in aerosol cans can potentially create the presence benzene, according to a study.
Is dry shampoo bad for you?
The short answer is no. There are plenty of options out there that will give you refreshed, oil-free tresses, without putting your health on the line. There are several dry shampoos out there that you can count on to add life to your hair while extending time between washes. Best of all, you can trust these products to give you revitalized feeling and looking hair without exposing you to carcinogens. While some brands that sell aerosol dry shampoos have guaranteed test results show no detectable levels of benzene, the only way to ensure that you won’t be exposed to benzene is by using non-aerosol dry shampoos, which usually come in the form of powders.
What should I look for when shopping for benzene-free dry shampoo?
When it comes to benzene-free dry shampoo, you’ll want to look for a dry shampoo powder that does not come in an aerosol can. While dry shampoo powder may be more tedious to apply to hair than traditional dry shampoo, it’s worth it if you want to avoid exposure to benzene. Plus, a dry shampoo powder can be just as effective as its aerosol counterpart thanks to ingredients like tapioca starch and rice starch, which absorb excess oil without potential risk of benzene exposure.
Is benzene-free dry shampoo suitable for all hair types?
In terms of ingredients, benzene-free shampoos are generally safe for all hair types. However, there are various other unique factors to consider (e.g., hair porosity and scalp sensitivity), that it’s important to find the formula that works best for you. Nonetheless, looking for a dry shampoo formula that is free of benzene is a good place to start.
From Acure’s Dry Shampoo to Billie’s Floof Dry Shampoo and Verb’s Dry Shampoo Powder , read on for the best benzene-free dry shampoos starting as low as $9. Your hair— and health— will thank you!
