Mass Recall of Dry Shampoo Products in Canada Due to Cancer-Causing Chemical

Health Canada has issued a recall some lots of Bed Head TIGI, Dove, and Tresemmé dry shampoo products due to detection of benzene. Health Canada Handout

Canada’s national health agency has issued a recall for more than a million hair products after benzene, a cancer-causing chemical, was detected.

Health Canada issued the mass recall on Oct. 18 after the chemical was detected in certain batches of Bed Head TIGI, Dove, and Tresemmé dry shampoo products that are packaged in aerosol cans.

The agency said 1,574,426 units of the affected products were sold in Canada from January 2020 to October 2022. The products were manufactured in the United States and distributed by consumer goods giant Unilever Canada Inc.

“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and dispose of it in accordance with the instructions for disposal on the packaging,” said Health Canada. “Consumers may contact the company for reimbursement.”

The agency warned that benzene is classified as a human carcinogen.

“Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life-threatening.”

As of Oct. 7, no incidents or injuries related to the use of the affected products have been reported to Unilever Canada, said the health agency.

In a statement on Oct. 18, Unilever Canada said an internal investigation identified the propellant as the source for “potentially elevated levels of benzene,” and it has started working with the propellant suppliers to address the issue.

“Unilever Canada is recalling these products out of an abundance of caution,” the company said.

“The recalled products were distributed nationwide in Canada through retail outlets and online. Retailers have been notified to remove recalled products from shelves.”

Products listed in the recall include Bed Head Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo, Dove Care Between Washes Go Active Dry Shampoo, and TRESemmé Fresh Clean Dry Shampoo, and the full list can be found on Health Canada’s website.

The company added that consumers can visit Unilever’s website to seek reimbursement.