The Best Benzene-Free Dry Shampoos & Alternatives for Refreshed Hair

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If you can’t imagine life without dry shampoo, we’ve got you covered. For many, it is a Holy Grail product that helps absorb excess oil so you can postpone washing your hair for another day.

However, it is important to note that many dry shampoos from several brands were 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 could be interfering 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 benzene exposure can lead to a variety of health consequences, including reproductive problems linked to cancer.

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 problems. For this reason, it is generally recommended to look for hair products, including dry shampoos, that are formulated without benzene.

Benzene is not an ingredient used in the manufacture of dry shampoo. Rather, it appears in products as a result of a chemical reaction that can occur in aerosol cans. This is why a number of spray deodorants and sunscreens have also been recalled because they contain detectable substances. benzene levels. Essentially, the propellant used in aerosol cans can potentially create the presence of benzene, according to a study.

Is dry shampoo bad for you?

The short answer is no. There are plenty of options that will give you refreshed, oil-free hair without putting your health on the line. There are several dry shampoos you can rely on to add life back to your hair while extending the time between washes. Best of all, you can trust these products to give you feeling and revitalized hair without exposing you to carcinogens. Although some brands that sell aerosol dry shampoos guarantee that test results show no detectable levels of benzene, the only way to guarantee that you will not be exposed to benzene is to use non-aerosol dry shampoos, which are generally present in the form of powders. .

What should I look for when buying benzene-free dry shampoo?

When it comes to benzene-free dry shampoo, you’ll want to look for a dry shampoo powder that doesn’t come in an aerosol can. Although dry shampoo powder can 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 spray counterpart thanks to ingredients like tapioca starch and rice starch, which absorb excess oil without the 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), and it’s important to find the formula that works best for you. Still, looking for a benzene-free dry shampoo formula is a good place to start.

From Acure Dry Shampoo to Billie’s Floof Dry Shampoo and Verb’s Dry Shampoo Powder, read on for the best benzene-free dry shampoos starting at just $9. Your hair – and your health – will thank you!