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.
Image Instagram
We are increasingly aware of the chemicals we ingest and apply to our skin and hair. Benzene is a known carcinogen on the no-no 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 that benzene is formed by natural processes, such as volcanoes, tobacco smoke, and car emissions, and may unintentionally appear as a byproduct or impurity in certain raw materials in trace amounts. Cappa says, "I'm less concerned about using a spray can of sunscreen outside vs an aerosolised dry shampoo inside because the benzene will dissolve into the wider atmosphere and limit the risk of a high level of benzene exposure.” Benzene 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 intentionally adds benzene to its products. It’s contamination.” Nevertheless, following a voluntary recall of Unilever dry shampoo brands such as Nexxus, Dove, TIGI Rockaholic, Bed Head, and TRESemmé, we have reconsidered the benzene traces that may be present in the products we use.
So, here are the safest dry shampoo staples to use.
Umberto Giannini Scalp Refresh Next Day Dry Shampoo, $25.
Summer’s humidity needs an effective dry shampoo - and here it is. This new benzene-free formula revives your hair and scalp without leaving white residue, thanks to a natural blend of pineapple extract, rich starch, and aloe vera. It’s colour-safe and suitable for anyone with chemically relaxed hair or wearing hair extensions. It leaves the hair scented with tropical pineapple.
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.
Co Lab Dry Shampoo+ Overnight Renew, $13.
Most of us would be hard-pressed to be without dry shampoo. While we have raved about this brand before, their latest innovation is first class. It allows you to renew and refresh your hair and scalp while you sleep. Stacked with pink clay, which absorbs oil (it also leaves no white cast), and detoxifies. The scent is a blend of amber and tonka, eucalyptus and lavender essential oils, leaving your hair (and pillow) smelling fab. Use this dry shampoo before. When you wake, your hair is bouncy, as if it’s been freshly washed.
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.
Safe, volume-boosting, brow dry extending, here the clean beauty buys.