Dry Shampoo Recalls
At the end of 2022, the FDA released a statement concerning product recalls for a variety of aerosol dry shampoo products, produced before October 2021, due to their high levels of benzene. These products came from Unilever, which owns well-known brands such as Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI, TRESemmé.
Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, meaning it is a substance capable of causing cancer. It is widely used in the U.S. in the production of plastics, resins, nylon and synthetic fibers, etc. In addition, it is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. This means that there is a high likelihood that you are exposed to low levels of benzene on a regular basis.
So why does the presence of benzene in your dry shampoo matter?
Unlike outdoor air, which has lower levels of benzene, you are exposed to higher amounts indoors. When using products that contain it, you leave trace amounts of it in the air which linger. Therefore, the presence of benzene in an aerosol product like dry shampoo can be particularly hazardous because it is typically used in bathrooms, which are highly enclosed spaces, and sprayed near your mouth and nose.
Make the Shift
Our newest HEIRS 817 product, is a natural Herbal Dry Shampoo. It comes in three shades to suit a variety of hair tones: light, medium, and dark. They are packaged in small jars, so there is no presence of aerosol or benzene, and made with very few ingredients.
Each Herbal Dry Shampoo is made with a base of arrowroot powder, and combined with additional herbs to create a shade that seamlessly blends into its corresponding hair tone. Along with refreshing hair, and absorbing excess oil on the scalp, the combination of herbs may provide additional benefits according to herbal medicine.
Arrowroot is a natural ingredient used in a variety of ways for cosmetic formulation. It is lightweight and has great absorption properties that help refresh greasy hair. Arrowroot is full of vitamins and minerals including zinc, iron, potassium, and Vitamin B6 which are beneficial in soothing skin irritation. It is suitable for all skin types, and said to have anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The Light version of the Herbal Dry Shampoo is made with calendula flower, in addition to arrowroot powder. Calendula is full of plant-based antioxidants and flavonoids, which are helpful in protecting cells from free radical pollutants. Their petals are typically dried and used in ointments and tinctures that aid in improving blood flow and oxygen in the applied area. Improved blood flow is highly beneficial for scalp and hair health, and can aid in accelerating hair growth. If the scalp does not receive enough blood supply, it in turn is not getting nutrients that are vital to hair follicle growth and thickness.
The Medium Herbal Dry Shampoo contains powdered hibiscus flower and cocoa powder, to create a deep, red tinted shade. Hibiscus powder is rich in amino acids and bioactive compounds that nourish your hair and stimulate growth. In addition, it is mildly exfoliating for your scalp and can aid in reducing itchiness and flaking due to its antimicrobial properties.
The cocoa powder in this formulation not only provides a dark tone to help the dry shampoo blend into hair, but also contains beneficial nutrients. Cocoa powder ideal for topical application because it is full of amino acids and antioxidants that can revitalize skin and strengthen hair. In addition, its powdery consistency aids in exfoliating the dead cells from the scalp and introducing its phenolic acids and flavonoids to promote the formation of new skin cells.
Finally, our Dark shade is formulated with nettle leaf and cocoa powder. Nettle leaf is full of Vitamins A, B, C, D and E and essential nutrients such as folate, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and manganese. It also contains silica which can aid in boosting blood flow, and therefore promoting hair growth and strength. Nettle leaves are also said to have anti-inflammatory properties which can assist in reducing scalp inflammation, which is a major contributor of chronic hair loss due to its damaging effect on hair follicles.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
References:
6 Benefits of Hibiscus Powder for Skin & Hair
ALL ABOUT ARROWROOT POWDER: AN ALL-NATURAL TALC SUBSTITUTE
BLOOD FLOW TO SCALP IS THE NUMBER ONE THING IN HEALTHY HAIR GROWTH
Cocoa Powder: Health Benefits, Nutrition, Uses for Skin And Hair, Recipes, Side Effects
How does nettle leaf benefit hair health?
Unilever Issues Voluntary U.S. Recall of Select Dry Shampoos Due to Potential Presence of Benzene