Dry Shampoo Brands Recalled In MD Due To Possible Carcinogens

MARYLAND — Several types of dry shampoo sold at grocery stores and pharmacies in Maryland are part of a voluntary recall by manufacturer Unilever because of possible elevated levels of benzene, a chemical compound classified as a human carcinogen, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

The recalled products were manufactured before October 2021 and were distributed nationwide in the U.S., including in Maryland. Retailers have been told to take the recalled products off store shelves. No other products from Unilever are affected by the recall, the FDA said.

Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé sell some of the dry shampoo aerosol products that have been recalled.

While most people are exposed to benzene daily, which can occur via inhalation, through skin and by mouth, elevated levels can result in cancers like leukemia, blood cancer of the bone marrow and life-threatening blood disorders, the FDA said.

“Based on an independent health hazard evaluation, daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences,” the FDA said in a statement. “Unilever U.S. is recalling these products out of an abundance of caution. Unilever has received no reports of adverse events to date relating to this recall.”

An internal Unilever investigation found the propellant as the source for the potential elevated benzene levels, and Unilever has worked with its propellant suppliers to correct the issue, the FDA said.

The recalled products include:

• Dove Dry Shampoo Volume and Fullness
• Dove Dry Shampoo Fresh Coconut
• Dove Drug 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 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

For a full list of UPC and lot numbers, click here.

Consumers should stop using the recalled aerosol dry shampoo products and visit UnileverRecall.com to receive reimbursement for eligible products.

Consumers with questions can call Unilever U.S. at (877) 270-7412, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST.

Adverse reactions experienced with the use of these products can be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.