When that summer sun blazes down on you, it is very easy to get a sunburn, especially if you do not apply sunscreen. Maybe you apply sunscreen, but it isn’t good enough or not the right one for you. Sunscreens work to protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and help prevent sunburn and premature aging. When you have a better understanding of sunscreen factors, including SPF, water resistance, and broad-spectrum protection, you can make a more educated choice about which product works best for your skin type. 

Is Lotion Better Than Spray?

A lot of people buy sunscreen sprays because they are easy to apply. The best type of sunscreen, be it a spray, gel, ointment, wax, lotion, or cream, is ultimately up to your personal preference. Just make sure that you choose an option that you will wear daily. Additionally, different formulas work better for different skin types. Some cream-based sunscreens may be better for dry skin, while a gel-based sunscreen caters to oily skin. A stick or wax may be easier to use on the face, while spray sunscreens can be great to apply on kids. Just try to avoid spray sunscreens that contain insect repellents, as insect repellents should be used sparingly. 

Look For Broad-Spectrum Protection

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that you use broad-spectrum sunscreens because they provide protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays, or “aging rays,” can increase the risk of premature aging, wrinkles, and age spots. They can penetrate glass windows, so you can be at risk of sun damage even if you are inside. UVB rays, or “burning rays,” are the primary cause of sunburn. They can’t pass through glass windows, but you should still protect the skin from them. 

Choose SPF 30 Or Higher

Sun protection factor (SPF) is the number that represents how much UV radiation exposure the skin can take without burning. This number does not indicate the amount of time you can spend in the sun. Your skin type, how often you reapply, and the time of day can influence your risk of sunburn. Experts suggest that you reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you sweat a lot or go in the water. The AAD recommends using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, which blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. No sunscreen will block 100% of UVB rays, though. 

Are Mineral Sunscreens Better Than Chemical Sunscreens?

First and foremost, both are effective, but they contain different active ingredients. Mineral sunscreens typically contain titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both. They tend to leave a white residue on the skin, and dermatologists recommend them for people with sensitive skin, as they do not contain harsh chemicals. Chemical sunscreens do not contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide; rather, they have a lighter formula that doesn’t leave a white residue on the skin. That said, chemical sunscreens do contain ingredients that can irritate the skin or pose threats to marine life and coral reefs. No matter which ones you choose, make sure to read the list of active ingredients. 

What Chemicals To Look Out For

There are certain ingredients in chemical sunscreens that can cause side effects, especially if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or a health condition. Some factors to consider:

• Environmental impact: Some chemicals in sunscreens can be harmful to coral reefs and marine life. A 2022 report from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to dig deeper into the impact of sunscreens on marine ecosystems. 
• Potential allergens: Avobenzone and octocrylene, among other ingredients, can cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis. Fragrances, alcohols, and other preservatives can also cause reactions. Consider trying the sunscreen on a small patch of skin to see how your skin responds before lathering it all over your body. 
• Potential chemical absorption: Some sunscreen ingredients can actually linger in the bloodstream for extended periods. One study found that six ingredients, including oxybenzone, octocrylene, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, and octisalate, were absorbed in the bloodstream after one use. The study noted that they reached levels in the blood that surpassed the FDA’s threshold. 

Match It To Your Skin Type

Some sunscreens are made specifically for certain skin types. If you thoroughly read a product’s label, you can determine if it is the right fit for your skin. If you have dry skin, you may want a sunscreen that contains moisturizers. Non-comedogenic and oil-free sunscreens may benefit those with acne-prone or oily skin. Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic sunscreens are excellent for sensitive skin.

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Kraft Heinz, a food manufacturing giant, will remove all artificial dyes from its brands in 2027. This comes in response to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s scrutiny on synthetic dyes. It was only a couple months ago that U.S. Health officials urged food manufacturers to phase out petroleum-based artificial colors in the nation’s food supply. Now, it seems that food makers are moving in the right direction. 

Kraft Heinz is the maker of Heinz ketchup, Kraft Mac & Cheese, Jell-O, Capri-Sun, and other brands. Kraft Heinz made a recent claim that almost 90% of its U.S. products are currently free of food, drug, and cosmetic colors. Pedro Navio, Kraft Heinz’s North America president, stated, “The vast majority of our products use natural or no colors, and we’ve been on a journey to reduce our use of (artificial) colors across the remainder of our portfolio.” The products that still contain dyes will be removed by the end of 2027. It should be noted that the company removed artificial colors from Kraft Mac & Cheese in 2016.

A Step In The Right Direction

The call for the removal of artificial dyes from food products is not recent news. Many studies have cited that these dyes can cause neurobehavioral problems, such as hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has maintained that the approved list of dyes are safe and that the total evidence indicates that most children have no adverse effects after consuming foods that contain them. 

Currently, the FDA allows 36 food color additives, including eight synthetic dyes. In January of this year, the agency announced that Red No. 3 would be banned in food by 2027 because it caused cancer in laboratory tests. Red No. 3 is common in foods such as cakes, candies, and even some medications. 

The unfortunate reality is that artificial dyes are widely used in U.S. foods. Europe and Canada require synthetic colors to carry warning labels, so they mostly use natural substitutes. California and West Virginia, however, have already passed laws that restrict the use of artificial colors in foods. And U.S. food manufacturers are already reformulating their foods. Instead of synthetic dyes, food makers can use natural hues made from algae, beets, and crushed insects and pigments from radishes, red cabbage, and purple sweet potatoes. 

More Companies Will Follow Suit

After Kraft Heinz’s announcement, General Mills soon followed suit. General Mills makes cereals such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Trix, Cheerios, and other brands like Pillsbury, Yoplait, and Nature Valley. It announced that it planned to remove certified colors from all of its U.S. cereals and K-12 foods by summer 2026, and out of all products by 2027. General Mills also issued a statement saying that 85% of its retail products do not contain these artificial colors. 

The transition to use healthier alternatives to synthetic food dyes is partially to retain customers. According to Kraft Heinz, both Lunchables and Capri-Sun have fallen out of favor with customers who want healthier food options. The company’s sales dropped 6.4% last quarter. Just last month, the company claimed to be evaluating strategic changes and potential transactions. Lastly, Kraft Heinz recently sold off Planters and its U.S. cheese business in order to simplify its business. Analysts believe that that announcement is a signal that the company may unload other brands or seek to merge with a rival. 

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Do you regularly eat candy, rainbow-colored cereals, or packaged desserts? Whether you do or not, you may or may not know that the U.S. is making efforts to ban artificial food dyes by the end of 2026. Lots of foods, even the unexpected ones, could take on new colors under the plan from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A Plan To Get Rid Of Artificial Dyes

This plan urges major U.S. food manufacturers to halt the usage of two artificial colorings: Citrus Red 2 and Orange B. It also calls for the manufacturers to voluntarily give up six additional dyes by the end of 2026. Those dyes include:

• Yellow No. 5
• Yellow No. 6
• Blue No. 1
• Blue No. 2
• Red No. 40
• Green No. 3

Too long have major food producers fed American petroleum-based chemicals without their knowledge or consent. In fact, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that these poisonous chemicals offer zero nutritional benefits. They also pose serious, measurable threats to the health and development of children. Kennedy Jr. aims to put an end to that era. 

Although nutritionists and researchers agree that artificial food dyes offer no health benefits, the research linking these dyes to potential health risks is limited. Additionally, the existing research has been largely conducted on animals. For this reason, it is hard to say whether artificial dyes are dangerous. What is certain, though, is that these dyes do not improve health. They are replaceable and they are unnecessary and it benefits people to avoid them as much as possible. 

Unexpected Foods That Contain Artificial Dyes

Sure, you know that brightly colored gummy worms have zero nutritional value and they contain artificial dyes. What you may not know is that seemingly wholesome foods may also contain these dyes. We aim to highlight them below. 

Fresh Oranges

Are you shocked, or are you shocked? In the past, the FDA allowed companies to add Citrus Red 2 to the skins or oranges with the intention of making slightly greenish peels appear more orange. The peels of certain oranges may not become bright orange as they ripen, due to local climate conditions. For that reason, the FDA permitted the use of Citrus Red 2 to make the fruit appear more orange and perfectly ripe. 

Smoked Salmon

Fancy a bit of bagels and lox? When you buy salmon, or salmon fillets, the flesh is naturally orange. Well, smoked salmon can get its bright orange color from several dyes on the proposed ban list. Those dyes include Yellow No. 5 and No. 6 and Red No. 40. Some food manufacturers even use all three of those dyes, in addition to others, including Blue No. 1.

Salad Dressings

There are many bottled salad dressings, including French, Italian, and ranch, that may contain artificial dyes. It all depends on the manufacturer. For example, Kraft makes a French dressing that contains Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6, while Hidden Valley’s Light Golden Italian Dressing contains Yellow No. 6. There are other dressings that contain Blue No. 1 as well as Yellow No. 5. 

Wasabi Peas

This is not everyone’s go-to snack, but they are highly addictive to a lot of people. They are crunchy and flavorful, but they happen to be vibrantly green, which is cause for concern. For example, Valued Natural Wasabi Peas contain Yellow No. 5 and Blue No. 1. Oregon Farm Fresh Snacks Willamette Wasabi Mix contains both of those dyes, in addition to Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 6. 

Trail Mix

If you know anything about the content that Dherbs publishes, we always warn people about dried fruit. Most dried fruit contains added sugars, preservatives, and dyes to keep it looking like the fresh version of the fruit. Varieties without added sugars or dyes tend to appear brown or less attractive to consumers. The same can be said for the dried fruit in several varieties of trail mix. For example, CJ’s Trail Mix contains Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Red No. 40. Kirkland Signature Trail Mix sold at Costco contains those same artificial dyes.

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Baking is a relaxing experience for many people. There is an enjoyment to the precision required to make a perfectly fluffy cake, chewy gooey cookies, or airy loaf of bread. Everything is wonderful until it comes time to clean the pan or tray in which you baked your goods. The cleanup process usually involves a lot of soaking and scrubbing. We can say for a fact that nobody likes that part. 

What do you do to minimize the dishes you have to do? If you are like most, you either use aluminum foil (not the healthiest choice) or silicone trays or mats. You can use silicone bakeware to easily remove gummy items, lotion bars, household staples, or cupcakes and muffins. The use of silicone molds may spark this question: Is it safe? Well, that truly depends, but we aim to answer it in this article.

What Is Silicone?

Before we get into cooking with silicone, it’s integral to understand the difference between silicon, silica, and silicone. Although these substances are related, they are not the same. Here’s a quick overview:

• Silicon: This is a natural element, meaning it cannot break down into smaller particles without splitting atoms. After oxygen, silicon is the second most abundant particle on the earth. It is used in many industries, including solar energy, construction, and electronics. Silicon Valley, anyone?
• Silica: This compound is made of silicon and oxygen. Silica is a primary component of the Earth’s crust and is naturally occurring in nature. It shows up in ceramics, abrasives, and glass manufacturing. You can also find silica in the human body, with some research indicating potential health benefits. 
• Silicone: You can create silicone, a synthetic polymer, by adding carbon or oxygen to silicon. It exists as a liquid, gel, or solid and is commonly used in the medical field. It exists in medical devices, including pacemakers, joint replacements, and implants. It is considered safe for these uses, and is very common in cooking utensils and bakeware. 

Is Cooking With Silicone Safe?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food-grade silicone is safe and approved for use in a variety of kitchen products. Food-grade silicone has been tested and certified by the FDA to be safe for contact with food. Food-grade silicone is a popular material for kitchenware. It is made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is a synthetic polymer. It has a superior ability to withstand heat, it is non-stick, and it is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Popular silicone bakeware items include cupcake liners, food storage containers, ice cube trays, baking molds, and reusable straws.

Benefits Of Silicone Bakeware

Silicone bakeware items are sturdy, convenient, and last a lot longer when made with silicone rubber. These molds can go straight from the oven to the freezer, or vice versa, without affecting their integrity. They have a higher resistance to high heat and are safe for human health, even after extensive use. Continue reading for more benefits. 

Easy-to-Clean

Silicone bake mats, molds, and other products are usually easy to clean. They are highly flexible, which makes it easy to get things in and out of them, allowing for easier cleanup. Silicone bakeware tends to be dishwasher-safe, but you can easily wash the items by hand. It has a smooth surface and tends to resist stains, so it won’t retain odors. 

Non-Stick

Silicone bakeware is usually more non-stick than traditional bakeware. That is highly convenient for muffin cups and cake pans. The natural non-stick properties mean that you don’t need to oil or grease before use, although a little oil never hurts. By not using excess grease or oil, you can reduce the amount of added fats in baking. 

Reusable

It is very easy to use parchment paper or aluminum foil when baking, especially if you are trying to save yourself excess cleaning. Silicone is very durable and can withstand repeated use. It is also resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. People tend to choose silicone for these reasons, as it is a more eco-friendly alternative to foil, cupcake liners, and more.

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There is a time and place for medication. Some people require them to ease their health issues, but too many medications come with a long list of side effects. One of the most common side effects is heartburn because certain medications irritate the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. That can cause heartburn pain that is similar to the pain of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Although some medications cause heartburn or make it worse, others can actually relieve heartburn. Typically, the ones that cause heartburn include iron or potassium supplements, antibiotics, and tricyclic antidepressants. Want to know if a medication you take is responsible for the heartburn you experience? Read on to learn which medications cause heartburn.

Aspirin

Whether you take it to ease your headaches or reduce the risk of heart attack, aspirin increases heartburn in those who already have it. The reason for this is because aspirin promotes more acid production in the stomach. Aspirin prevents the body from forming protecting prostaglandins in the digestive tract. The body makes prostaglandins, which act like hormones, and the ones in the stomach prevent cells in the stomach wall from producing and releasing acid.

Sleeping Pills And Sedatives

Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan), work to relieve anxiety and aid relaxation. They also relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which may cause heartburn. The unfortunate reality is that most people lie down after taking these medications. Lying down can increase the severity of acid reflux because reclining prevents gravity from keeping stomach acid down, meaning it can get into the esophagus. 

Iron Supplements

Iron supplementation is typically reserved as a treatment for people with iron deficiency anemia. Taking iron supplements can irritate the lining of the esophagus and contribute to acid reflux. According to research, iron erodes the mucosa in the gastrointestinal tract. Iron pill-induced gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) has only been documented in people who take iron supplements in pill form, not liquid form. 

Ibuprofen

Over-the-counter ibuprofen products, such as Motrin or Advil, can help mitigate pain, but may cause heartburn. These products increase acid production in the stomach and reduce protective prostaglandins. According to gastroenterologists, oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet) can be better for the stomach than taking six Motrin tablets per day. That said, some narcotics cause heartburn and are habit-forming; not to mention, they can cause constipation. 

Potassium Supplements

Potassium supplements can help regulate blood pressure, but they can also irritate the esophageal lining. Now, that isn’t to say that every person who takes potassium supplements will experience heartburn. You can reduce your chances of heartburn by taking the supplements while sitting up and drinking plenty of water with them. No matter what supplement you take, always speak with your healthcare provider before starting. The FDA minimally regulates dietary supplements and their effects vary from person to person. If you are nervous about dosage or negative interactions with current medications, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Some psychiatric drugs, such as antidepressants, work in a specific way and have fewer gastrointestinal side effects. However, some older tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine or amitriptyline, may cause heartburn because they slow how quickly the stomach empties. Tricyclic antidepressants can also relax the LES, which increases the risk of heartburn.

Antibiotics

Tetracyclines are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that treat common bacterial infections. One of the drawbacks is that they can cause heartburn. If you tend to experience heartburn regularly and require antibiotics, consult your health care provider to get one that is gentle on the stomach and esophagus. An enteric-coated pill may be less abrasive because the coating keeps the pill intact as it passes through the stomach. That means it dissolves in the small intestine, not your stomach.

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Are nutrition labels inaccurate? The food labeling regulations from the FDA allow for a 20% margin of error. For anything that says there is a certain amount of carbs, calories, or sugars in it, there could be up to 20% more.

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Antibiotics have been given to farm animals to have them gain weight quickly, as well as ward off diseases. Unfortunately the antibiotics given to livestock can result in a superbug, not only on the animals but on the ones who consume it as well. While the FDA was supposed to be more strict, there seems to be no change.

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Will you still be able to taste the rainbow in California, or are Skittles disappearing from the sunshine state? This question is fresh in the minds of Californians, given the passing of a recent bill, which aims to change some ingredients found in America’s popular candies and snacks. The four ingredients included in the ban include:

• Red Dye No. 3
• Brominated Vegetable Oil
• Potassium Bromate
• Propylparaben

Titanium dioxide was another ingredient originally included in the bill, and an ingredient in Skittles candy. That is why people believed that Skittles would disappear from California, but it was dropped from the ban. Skittles do contain titanium dioxide, but they don’t have any of the other four ingredients listed above. That means that the candy will be safe from any major changes, at least for now. 

What Is The Skittles Ban?

Assembly Bill (AB) 418, or the Skittles ban, was introduced to legislation by Jesse Gabriel, a Democratic assembly member from Woodland Hills, California. AB418 essentially aimed to ban the sale of processed foods, which contained dangerous or toxic chemicals, in California. It quickly became known as the Skittles ban, which Mars, the makers of Skittles, strongly opposed. 

In fact, Mars made a statement saying that chocolate and candy are safe to enjoy, and have been for centuries. Mars company opposes AB418 because it claims that no evidence supports banning the ingredients listed in the bill. According to Mars’ statement, those ingredients in the ban have all been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company continued to say that food safety is a number one priority, and it doesn’t include any ingredients that do not comply with FDA safety standards. 

Although Mars is not incorrect in saying that these ingredients are FDA-approved, that doesn’t mean that the ingredients are healthy for you. When eaten in high amounts, these ingredients can lead to health complications, especially if they aren’t balanced by exercise and a balanced diet. 

What About The Future Of The Ban?

According to Gabriel, he does not want to ban Skittles; rather, he wants to make American treats less “dangerous” to eat. He said that the idea behind this ban is for companies to make small modifications to recipes in order to exclude dangerous and toxic chemicals. In the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other nations around the world, bans on these chemicals are in place. That means that Skittles and other brands already made changes to recipes. The idea is to do the same thing in the United States. 

Red Dye No. 3, for example, can contribute to potential cancer risk, according to some studies. Additionally, artificial food dyes, such as Red Dye No. 3, may contribute neurobehavioral problems in children, including hyperactivity. It is a synthetic dye primarily derived from petroleum. This dye has been banned for decades in makeup and topical medications because it was linked to cancer. What makes it okay to consume in various foods, oral drugs, or dietary supplements? 

Although Skittles may be off the hook for now, there are up to 12,000 food products that still contain the banned chemicals in AB418. Peeps, the popular Easter candy, contains Red Dye No. 3, but the banning of an ingredient doesn’t mean the product goes away. Additionally, the bill doesn’t go into effect until 2027, which gives manufacturers time to change their recipes to continue sales in California. If they don’t want to change the recipe, they can decide not to sell their product in an entire state.

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A study from a few years ago found that the body can absorb seven chemicals, commonly found in sunscreens, after a single application. Researchers noted that the presence of these chemicals in the bloodstream exceeded safety thresholds. While that is alarming in and of itself, another alarming point is that those chemicals weren’t fully tested for safety, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

If your skin absorbs an ingredient and it goes into the bloodstream, the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research doesn’t deem that to be unsafe. Rather, it just calls for further industry testing to determine the safety and efficacy of an ingredient. Additionally, more studies are necessary to determine the systemic exposure to sunscreen ingredients, especially with chronic use in the summertime. That’s why people should not stop using sunscreen, but they should pay closer attention to the ingredient lists. 

What Do Findings Reveal About Sunscreen Chemicals?

The 2020 study tested whether or not six common sunscreen ingredients exceeded 0.5 nanogram per milliliter of blood. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends additional safety testing for products that enter the bloodstream in higher concentrations. Scientists conducted blood tests on 48 adults to look for those six common chemicals in commercial sunscreens. Those chemicals are detailed below:

• Oxybenzone
• Avobenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octisalate
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate

Those chemicals are found in chemical sunscreens, while the two active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium oxide. On the first day of the study, participants were required to apply one of four different types of sunscreen: three sprays and one lotion. For the next three days, researchers asked the participants to reapply one of those four options every two hours. 

All six chemicals entered the bloodstream at levels that exceeded the FDA threshold for recommending additional safety testing after a single application. The concentration of those chemicals increased throughout the study. 

What Do Researchers Think? 

For years, researchers have known that certain chemicals in sunscreens can seep into the bloodstream. That study from 2020 indicated that chemicals from commercial sunscreens can soak into the blood after a single application. Additionally, they can remain in the body at levels above the FDA threshold for safety tests for more than two weeks. Those results matter because you should be aware of what you put on and in your body. That study, however, doesn’t suggest that all chemicals in sunscreens are harmful. 

Previous research, however, found that certain chemicals in sunscreens were linked to neurological and hormonal problems. The results from those human and animal studies were mixed. Plus, those studies tested exposures that were much higher than people would typically have from applying sunscreen in real life scenarios.  

Minerals Sunscreens May Be Great Alternatives

In 2019, the FDA proposed a rule asking sunscreen manufacturers to provide more safety information on active ingredients. The two active ingredients in mineral sunscreens don’t enter the bloodstream at concentrations that raise safety concerns. That means that consumers who want to avoid harmful chemicals should opt for zinc oxide-based formulations, according to dermatologists. Although mineral sunscreens are safe, they can leave a sticky or chalky residue behind after application. 

You should not stop using sunscreen because it is an important part of protection against UV rays. Ideally, apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and don’t apply sunscreen if you are wet (straight from the water) or sweaty. If you plan on going in the water, make sure to wait at least 15 minutes after sunscreen application for optimal protection.

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Unilever has recalled dry shampoo aerosol products sold across the nation due to elevated levels of benzene, a known carcinogen. The recent recall is the newest of half a dozen in this year alone. Benzene, a cancer-causing chemical, has shown up in several product recalls, including those for deodorant, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen. 

For the current recall, certain Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI, and TRESemmé aerosol dry shampoos showed the potential presence of benzene. These products were produced prior to October 2021 and were distributed to retailers nationwide. Products include Dove Dry Shampoo Volume and Fullness, Nexxus Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist, Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Refresh and Revive, and Dove Dry Shampoo Fresh Coconut. 

What Is Benzene?

To put it simply: benzene is a bad molecule for you. It tops the FDA’s list of about 70 solvents to avoid, and there is no argument about whether or not it can cause cancer in humans. Exposure to benzene can occur via inhalation, orally, and through the skin. Too much exposure can result in certain cancers, including leukemia and blood cancer, according to the recall notice. This isn’t to say that people who used one or more of the recalled products containing benzene will get cancer, though. It is, however, a problematic compound that you should keep an eye out for when purchasing products. Even small amounts of benzene can lead to major consequences. For example, there was a global recall of Perrier after benzene was found in bottles of that mineral water 30 years ago.

It is important to note that benzene was not an ingredient in any of the recalled products. Scientists believe that it came about as the result of other petroleum products like butane. If butane is not refined properly, it can end up containing other components, including benzene. The more scientists examined the recalled products, though, the more benzene they found. There were petitions in 2021 to recall products after studies detected benzene in 54% of the 108 batches from 30 brands of body spray products. According to an internal probe by Unilever, the propellant was identified as the source. The company is currently working with propellant suppliers to address the issue. 

Benzene Is Very Common

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claimed that benzene is one of the most commonly made products in the U.S. It is present in gasoline and cigarette smoke. Common exposure to benzene is by breathing the chemical in the air, but absorbing it through the skin is very easy. It seems that the most common products that get recalled for possible benzene presence are aerosol products. For example, Unilever recalled two Suave 24-hour protection aerosol antiperspirants in March 2022. Procter & Gamble also recalled aerosol dry shampoo and condition spray products from six brands sold nationwide in December 2021. 

What Should You Do?

If you have any of the dry shampoos mentioned in this article, you should stop using them immediately. Consider avoiding products from Unilever, as this is the second recall this year involving products possibly containing benzene. Unilever is a conglomerate that sells about 400 products worldwide, from Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to Hellmann’s mayonnaise. Additionally, L’Oréal and other parties are being sued over claims about chemical hair-straightening products that increase women’s risk of uterine cancer.

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