When Unilever announced that they were recalling several of its dry shampoo brands earlier this year, I, like many hair enthusiasts, was immediately concerned. Dry shampoo is a morning-routine staple, and an essential product for those looking to extend the life of a color or chemical process. For someone like me, who regularly changes their hair color out of sheer boredom, dry shampoo is something I regularly reach for. As a stylist, it’s something I regularly recommend. Naturally, the idea that it could be harming clients’ health was a real fear.
What was the problem? According to Unilever, the dry shampoos were recalled out of a concern for elevated levels of benzene. Benzene is one of the most commonly used solvents in the United States, and can be found in gasoline, pesticides, rubbers, and lubricants. It is also a known carcinogen, with frequent exposure resulting in leukemia and other blood disorders.
Unfortunately, it has also shown up in many aerosol products, including spray-on sunscreen, deodorant, and in this case, dry shampoo. Although the recall was done voluntarily as an overabundance of caution, and the chance of someone getting cancer from too-frequent dry shampoo usage was relatively slim, the recall serves as an example of how important it is for product companies to be responsible about the ingredients they use, and that the products that go out don’t get contaminated somehow during the process. The beauty industry is a largely unregulated one. For the most part, it’s left to the consumer to make their own choices, and to do their own research. While the pros and cons of this are debatable, what isn’t debatable is that people deserve safe products, and therefore, we need companies we can trust.
Luckily, we have companies like Alkali Beauty.
Not only are Alkali Beauty’s products completely safe, they. Just. Work. Remember how I said I use dry shampoo, like, a lot? I’ve used more than my fair share of them, and FRESH is hands down the best. I love the way this stuff makes my hair feel after I use it: soft and clean, but with volume. It doesn’t have the white, tacky residue other dry shampoos do. It’s not gritty. It absorbs oil like nobody’s business, but it’s not drying either. It’s buildable, workable, and it smells, well...FRESH!
With FRESH being my go-to, I knew I didn’t need to worry. Alkali’s standard of quality is something other companies should be looking up to. Instead of cancer-causing chemicals, FRESH contains ingredients that are actually beneficial for your hair. Aloe Vera, for example, helps repair dead skin cells at the scalp, making this a fantastic product for those with dandruff. Vitamin C works to clarify and remove mineral buildup, and Vitamins E and B5 work to prevent damage and add moisture.
It can be scary when everyday stuff gets recalled. With more options on the market than ever, it’s becoming increasingly crucial for companies and consumers alike to pay attention to the ingredients in their products. Fortunately, FRESH is beneficial, effective, and most importantly, safe.