Product Safety Recall
Procter & Gamble Australia and New Zealand has issued a voluntary product recall to the consumer level of aerosol dry conditioner spray products and aerosol dry shampoo products from Pantene and Waterl<ss produced in the United States.
Defect: The recall is due to the presence of benzene in some products.
What consumers should do: Consumers should stop using and appropriately discard the affected aerosol spray dry conditioner and aerosol dry shampoo spray products. Detailed instructions for how to request a refund for eligible products can be found below. The specific aerosol dry shampoo products being voluntarily recalled are from isolated production timeframes, with identification possible based on production codes.
Following recent reports that indicated presence of benzene in some aerosol spray products, we began a review of our total portfolio of aerosol products. While benzene is not an ingredient in any of our products, our review showed that unexpected levels of benzene came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can. We detected benzene in aerosol dry shampoo spray products and aerosol dry conditioner spray products. In light of these findings, we have issued a voluntary recall at the consumer level of aerosol dry shampoo spray products and aerosol dry conditioner spray products from Pantene and Waterl<ss. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of the consumers who use our products and the quality of the products we ship.
Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, a substance that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure. Benzene is present as well in the environment. Humans around the world have daily exposures to it indoors and outdoors from multiple sources. Benzene can be absorbed, to varying degrees, by inhalation, through the skin, and orally. Based on exposure modelling and the cancer risk assessments published by the USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (IRIS database), daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.
Where to find the production code: Refer to the image below for guidance on where to find the production code details on bottom of the can. The first four numbers are the only ones necessary to determine if your product is impacted and falls within the ranges outlined.
Remedy: Details of the aerosol dry conditioner spray products and aerosol dry shampoo spray products impacted are given below. Retailers have been alerted to remove recalled products from shelves. Our brands will also offer reimbursement for consumers who have purchased products impacted by this recall.
Consumers should stop using these specific aerosol products and appropriately discard them. Please follow local disposal procedure for aerosol products. Information can be found through local waste management services.
Affected product: The aerosol dry conditioner spray products and aerosol dry shampoo spray products impacted are as follows:
| Item EAN | Product description | Full Batch numbers |
|---|---|---|
| 080878188727 | Pantene Never Tell Dry shampoo 120 g | 0065144504 0280144504 0310144504 0330144504 0364144504 1008087818 1008087881 1074144504 |
| 080878190898 | Waterl<ss Dry Shampoo No Residue for fine or oily hair 106 g | 0098144504 0279144504 0335144504 0336144504 1008087819 |
| 037000543787 | Waterl<ss Dry Shampoo No Residue for fine or oily hair 106 g | 0265144504 0304144504 0356144504 |
| 037000543954 | Waterl<ss Dry Conditioner Weightless smooth 102 g for fine Hair | 0023144504 0205144504 0247144504 |
| 037000543831 | Waterl<ss Dry Conditioner instant moisture for thick hair 102 g | 0009144504 0010144504 0029144504 0069144504 9298144504 |
| 037000617082 | Waterl<ss Regimen Pack for Fine or Oily hair | 92856429M1 92856429M2 92856429M3 92976429L1 92976429L2 92976429P2 92976429Q1 |
Unaffected Product: No other products from Pantene and Waterl<ss are in the scope of this recall and such other products may continue to be used as intended, including those aerosol dry shampoo spray products with lot numbers different from those specifically communicated. The vast majority of our products are not part of this recall, including liquid shampoos, liquid conditioners, mousses, hairsprays, styling products, treatments, and unaffected aerosol dry shampoo sprays.
For Information: Consumers can visit www.pantene.com.au/en-au and www.waterlesshaircare.com for more information about the impacted products. To learn how to receive reimbursement for eligible products and if consumers have further questions, they can also seek more information via the Consumer Care team at the following contact numbers from Monday to Friday between 9:00am – 6:00pm local time:
- For Australia - 1800 028 280
- For New Zealand - 0800 441 058