Unveiling the unseen risks lurking in your bathroom cabinet.
Recent investigations—most notably from independent lab Valisure—have uncovered a disturbing truth: numerous personal care products, including sunscreens, dry shampoos, and now acne treatments, are contaminated with benzene, a known carcinogen. This revelation raises serious concerns about the safety of everyday items we trust and use regularly.
Independent laboratory Valisure tested 662 personal care products and found benzene in 180 of them, particularly in aerosol sprays. Notably, some products contained benzene levels that the FDA considers “life-threatening” 1.
Understanding Benzene and Its Risks
Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor, commonly used in industrial processes. However, its presence in consumer products is unintended and hazardous. Chronic exposure to benzene is linked to serious health issues, including leukemia and other blood disorders 2.
How Does Benzene Contaminate Personal Care Products?
Benzene contamination often occurs during manufacturing, especially in products using petroleum-derived ingredients or aerosol propellants like isobutane. These substances can degrade or become contaminated, introducing benzene into the final product 3.
Recent Product Recalls Due to Benzene
Several major brands have recalled products due to benzene contamination:
- Neutrogena and Aveeno: Johnson & Johnson recalled five aerosol sunscreen lines in July 2021 after detecting benzene contamination during internal testing.
[FDA recall notice] - Unilever: In October 2022, Unilever voluntarily recalled select aerosol dry shampoos from brands including Dove, Nexxus, Suave, and TIGI due to the potential presence of benzene in the propellant.
[FDA recall notice] - Procter & Gamble: In December 2021, P&G recalled aerosol dry conditioners and shampoos from brands such as Pantene, Herbal Essences, Aussie, and Waterless due to benzene detected in some lots.
[FDA recall notice]
These recalls highlight the widespread nature of the issue and the need for vigilant consumer awareness.
Check for the latest recalls:
FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts page
Protecting Yourself from Benzene Exposure
To minimize risk:
- Choose non-aerosol products: Opt for creams, lotions, or stick forms instead of sprays.
- Read labels carefully: While benzene may not be listed, being informed about ingredients can help you make safer choices. Petrochemical ingredients pose risk of benzene contamination.
- Stay updated on recalls: Regularly check FDA announcements and trusted news sources for information on product recalls.
Our Commitment to Safety
At Nature’s Complement, we prioritize your health by ensuring all our products are free from harmful contaminants like benzene. We believe in full transparency, listing every ingredient so you can make informed decisions about what you put on your body.
References
- Valisure Detects Benzene in Benzoyl Peroxide Products. Valisure. https://www.valisure.com/valisure-newsroom/valisure-detects-benzene-in-benzoyl-peroxide
- Benzene and Cancer Risk. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/benzene.html
- FDA Updates on Benzene Contamination in Personal Care Products. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/limited-number-voluntary-recalls-initiated-after-fda-testing-acne-products-benzene-findings-show
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