High concernSolvent
Benzene (as cosmetic contaminant)
Known carcinogenEnvironmental persistence
What it is
An aromatic hydrocarbon solvent and an occasional contaminant of aerosol cosmetic products.
What it does
Not intentionally added to cosmetics; detected as a contaminant in aerosol sunscreens and dry shampoos, likely from propellant impurities.
Why it’s a concern
IARC Group 1 human carcinogen, causally linked to acute myeloid leukaemia. Independent lab Valisure tested aerosol sunscreens in 2021 and dry shampoos in 2022, detecting benzene at levels that triggered voluntary recalls by Johnson and Johnson, Procter and Gamble, and Unilever. The FDA recommends no detectable benzene in products applied to skin.
Also known as
benzol
CAS numbers
71-43-2
Commonly found in
aerosol sunscreen (as contaminant)aerosol dry shampoo (as contaminant)
Safer alternatives
- non-aerosol lotion sunscreens
- powder dry shampoo without aerosol propellants
Related chemical families
Sources
- Valisure Citizen Petition 2021
- IARC Monograph Volume 100F