Why make the swap

  • Why switch to non-aerosol powder

    Starch or clay powder, or a pump spray. With no propellant, benzene has no way in.

  • What's the concern with aerosol dry shampoo

    Butane and propane propellants can carry benzene, a known carcinogen, which you then breathe in.

  • General information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing or have a health condition.

  • Good to know before you buy

    Contamination was batch-specific. Powders can leave a white cast. This one’s only scent is lavender oil.

  • Sources (2)
    1. FDA-posted Unilever recall, Oct 2022 (opens in a new tab)
    2. Valisure petition: 70% of 148 batches had benzene (opens in a new tab)

    Health and safety facts on this page come from these sources. What a pick is made of comes from its maker's listing or website, as stated on the date we checked.

More beauty & hair swaps

Beauty & Hair

Waterproof mascara swap to Washable mascara

Keep waterproof for special days. Everyday washable mascara skips the water-resistant formulas most likely to carry PFAS.

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swap to

Our pick

Saie Mascara 101, black, 0.31 oz

  • Fewer chemicals
See the swap: Waterproof mascara to Washable mascara

Beauty & Hair

Permanent hair dye swap to Plant-based hair colour

In an NIH study of 46,709 women, permanent hair dye was linked to higher breast cancer rates in Black women. That’s a link, not the cause. Plant powders colour hair without permanent-dye chemicals.

Swap outPermanent hair dye, the old item this swap replaces
swap to

Our pick

Brown: Light Mountain henna, medium brown, 3 × 4 oz

  • Fewer chemicals
See the swap: Permanent hair dye to Plant-based hair colour
All 7 beauty & hair swaps