Batiste dry shampoo is a leading brand that offers solutions for greasy hair. It is very popular among women who want to style their hair effectively. The shampoo provides ways to maintain the look for a longer period of time. However, it faced some issues regarding the product quality. The main reason for the Batiste dry shampoo recall was the presence of benzene, a chemical compound that poses several health risks. As a result, health departments alerted many consumers to discontinue the product immediately.
Reasons For The Batiste Dry Shampoo Recall
Valisure laboratory tested different types of Batiste dry shampoos and revealed that benzene was found in all of them. Apart from that, some other ingredients used in the product cause severe health risks. They include butane, isobutane, propane, Oryza sativa starch, limonene, linalool, geraniol, benzyl benzoate, etc.
Batiste launched a thorough investigation in collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after receiving reports of benzene in dry shampoos. The investigation report revealed that the aerosol propellant was the cause of benzene contamination. Both short-term and long-term exposure to benzene can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, tremors, and leukemia.
What Is Benzene?
Benzene is a volatile chemical often used in industrial products. It is not an ingredient but a contaminant that can sneak in during dry shampoo manufacturing. Prolonged exposure to benzene can result in serious health risks such as leukemia, anemia, immune system damage, nervous system damage, etc.
Allegations Made By Plaintiffs Against Batiste Dry Shampoo
Allegations made by several consumers resulted in the Batiste dry shampoo recall and legal action against the company. The lawsuit filed by the plaintiffs alleged that the shampoo products contain benzene, which is unsafe to use. They further stated that the company promoted the product as safe and failed to warn about the exposure of benzene. Moreover, they wouldn’t have bought the product if they had known about the benzene contamination.
A majority of consumers said that the shampoo was misbranded and adulterated because benzene was not listed on the ingredient label. According to consumer protection laws, the brand violated the safety standards while selling its products.
What Is The Batiste Dry Shampoo Class Action Lawsuit?
The Batiste dry shampoo class action lawsuit was filed in 2022 by consumers, highlighting that the product label doesn’t list benzene among the active or inactive components. Individuals who have purchased and used the dry shampoo products before May 30, 2023, may have the opportunity to file a claim and receive compensation.
The lawsuit allowed customers to claim a Batiste dry shampoo recall fund based on the type and number of products they bought. On the other hand, they should provide the necessary proof of purchase before May 30, 2023. To participate in the settlement amount, claimants should notify the court by November 15, 2023.
Settlement Amount And Terms Of The Batiste Dry Shampoo Lawsuit
Church & Dwight, the company that manufactures Batiste dry shampoos, has agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle the class action lawsuit. Those who have bought Batiste dry shampoos but cannot provide proof of purchase can still file a claim to receive a maximum of $2 per product for up to 5 products, which totals around $10. However, the settlement amount will be distributed only to victims after the claim window closes and the review of all claims.
Is Batiste Dry Shampoo Safe To Use?
Many consumers ask the question, “Is Batiste dry shampoo safe to use?” because the product raises some concerns. Since the shampoo has a high level of benzene contamination, it is wise not to use the product frequently, which will result in adverse reactions. Consumers should consult with a haircare expert before using the shampoo that helps overcome unwanted problems.
How Does The Batiste Dry Shampoo Lawsuit Impact The Beauty Industry?
The contamination of benzene in Batiste dry shampoo will impact the beauty industry in various ways. Cosmetic brands should focus more on building trust among customers by implementing the best practices. The Batiste dry shampoo recall and lawsuit highlight the need for rigorous testing, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to product safety. Companies should practice the best safety measures to prevent further contamination incidents.
They should mention the ingredients of a shampoo product, clearly stating that it is benzene-free. Apart from that, they should perform internal quality checks and screening of chemical composition during the manufacturing process. Disclosure of ingredients on the label allows customers to make informed decisions. A brand should also clearly mention the directions to use and include indications if necessary.
Batiste Dry Shampoo Recall—What Should Consumers Do While Buying A Product?
As per laboratory results, Batiste dry shampoo has a high level of benzene contamination, which can pose severe health risks to users. The Batiste dry shampoo recall created awareness among customers about the quality and safety of a product. Anyone who wants to buy a dry shampoo should follow the steps below.
- Identifying brands that clearly state “benzene-free” and “alcohol-free”
- Choosing powder-based dry shampoos in non-aerosol packaging
- Looking for products with simple ingredients like clay or arrowroot powder
- Reading the ingredients on the label to check for harmful chemical compounds
- Consulting with a haircare specialist who will help select the right type of dry shampoo
- Checking the certifications of a product to ensure more safety
- Making a study on natural products that are free from chemicals
- Reading reviews online and getting recommendations from reliable others before buying dry shampoos
Conclusion
Dry shampoos are becoming a convenient choice for many consumers, and they should stay vigilant while buying them. This is because the Batiste dry shampoo recall and the lawsuit send a warning signal to them, as some brands might cause adverse reactions. Moreover, it is an alarming bell to brands that shouldn’t ignore the product safety and take necessary steps to prevent legal action, such as a lawsuit. They should give more importance to testing, quality checking, and other safety procedures to ensure that a product doesn’t cause any harm to users.
