It’s a winter essential for avoiding cold wet hair and giving limp hair more va-va-voom. But lurking in some formulas is benzene, which experts say is one chemical to avoid when it comes to skin and scalp care. Read on to learn more, says editor Trudi Brewer.
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We are increasingly aware of the chemicals we are ingesting and applying to our skin and hair. Benzene is a known carcinogen on the no, no’s list for cosmetic use. Chris Cappa, an environmental engineering professor at the University of California at Davis, says, “Butane, a petroleum product, is a standard propellant in spray cans, and if the refinement process of butane isn’t very good, then you can end up with gas that contains other components from the crude oil, such as benzene.” It’s vital to understand benzene is formed from natural processes, such as volcanoes, tobacco smoke, and car emissions too, and may unintentionally show up as a byproduct or impurity in what is known as trace amounts in certain raw materials. Cappa says, “I’m less concerned about using a spray can of sunscreen outside vs an aerosolized dry shampoo inside because the benzene will dissolve into the wider atmosphere and limit the risk of a high level of benzene exposure.” So, benzene showing up in hairspray, such as dry shampoo, isn’t supposed to be in any formula; it’s an unnecessary ingredient. Marisa Plescia, a cosmetic chemist based in Minneapolis, says, “Dry shampoos are “really basic” products, with a combination of powder starches, silica and fragrance to absorb the oil in your hair. No company is intentionally putting benzene in their products. It’s contamination.” Nevertheless, after a voluntary recall late last year of Unilever dry shampoo brands such as (Nexxus, Dove, TIGI Rockaholic, Bed Head, and TRESemmé), it has made us consider those traces of benzene, we could be spritzing on our hair. So, here are the safest dry shampoo staples to use this winter.
CoLab Dry Shampoo original, $12.
For volume and lift in one quick spritz, this clever and clean formula is famous for being 'sheer + invisible' even in the darkest of hair. This means it leaves no white residue - and it’s committed to being vegan, cruelty, paraben and benzene-free.
Living Proof Perfect hair Day Dry Shampoo, $48.
Formulated with oil-absorbing zeolite, which offers that barely-there texture and a patented #HealthyHairMolecule, the formulator Ron McLaughlin, senior vice president of product development for Living Proof, says, “It’s important to note that just because you see these ingredients like propane and isobutane listed on the packaging does not mean that benzene has made its way into the formula. This is where strict quality controls and testing come into play.”
Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo, $76.
The gorgeous Oribe’s Côte d’Azur fragrance lingers in your hair all day from a few spritzes of this pricey blow-dry-extending dry shampoo. As far as being safe, a statement from the brand reads: “In response to the recent aerosol recall due to elevated levels of benzene, a known carcinogenic substance, Oribe Hair Care has investigated to determine whether our aerosol products—including dry shampoo—are contaminated with benzene.
Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo, $49.
Micro-fine rice powder helps to absorb excess oil and adds volume to limp roots, while the vanilla-y scent is a crowd-favourite. This brand takes its formulation thoughtfully. “Focus on one thing and be the best at it. In doing this, we believe our products can be formulated without parabens, sulfates or phthalates and be cruelty-free, with no animal testing. This includes formulating our Detox Dry Shampoo to be free of benzene and other potentially toxic chemicals,” says Anna Kimble, hairstylist and senior director of education for Dry-bar.
Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-Powder, $26.
Made with polysilicon-22 to refresh the hair, corn and tapioca starch and oat flour boost volume and texture, while silica soaks up excess oil, helping to extend that blow dry for days. Made without parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, benzene and formaldehyde, this invisible-style extender powder is in the kits of every top stylist globally.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo, $43.
The nasties not present in this dry shampoo include formaldehyde, phthalates, mineral oil, oxybenzone, coal tar, synthetic fragrance, triclocarban and benzene. It’s as close to natural as you get. The brand says 99 per cent of the ingredients are naturally derived, including charcoal, clay, tapioca, rice starches, witch hazel and bamboo extracts. Together, these ingredients help balance oil production, boost volume and won’t clog the scalp with unnecessary chemicals.
Here are the tips and products to try now.