Dry shampoo, a popular cleansing and styling product, has become a go-to solution for instantly refreshing greasy and oily hair while also adding volume. However, recent developments surrounding Batiste, a prominent product in the haircare industry, raise concerns and offer potential compensation for consumers.
Church & Dwight Co., the owner of Batiste, has agreed to a substantial $2.5 million settlement in response to a Batiste class-action lawsuit. The Batiste dry shampoo lawsuit alleges that Batiste's dry shampoos contain elevated levels of the carcinogenic compound benzene, posing potential risks to consumers. This settlement brings attention to an issue in the industry, with several companies recalling dry shampoos due to benzene concerns in recent years.
In the lawsuit, Batiste is not the only one; other major haircare brands, including The Procter & Gamble Company and Unilever, have faced similar issues, prompting recalls of products from popular lines such as Pantene, Aussie, Dove, and TRESemmé. The common thread in these cases is the presence of benzene, a chemical known for its carcinogenic properties.
The scrutiny of Batiste intensified in 2022 when an independent laboratory, Valisure, conducted extensive testing on over a hundred samples from 34 different dry shampoo product brands, including Batiste. The findings were alarming: 70% of the samples tested contained benzene levels exceeding the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) limit of two parts per million (ppm). Specifically, a bottle of Batiste Dry Shampoo was found to contain a staggering 15 ppm of benzene, well above the regulatory limit.
Customers who purchased specific Batiste dry shampoo products, namely Batiste Bare, Clean, or Batiste Light Bare, before May 30, 2023, may qualify for compensation. Additionally, individuals who bought other Batiste products may also be eligible. While proof of purchase is not mandatory, providing a receipt can lead to a higher payout.
Affected consumers can receive reimbursement through either a cash payment or a voucher. Those without proof of purchase can receive $2 per product for up to five products, with a maximum payment of $10.
The potential health risks associated with benzene in these haircare products underscore the importance of being vigilant about the ingredients in personal care items. If you've purchased Batiste dry shampoo within the specified timeframe, exploring your eligibility for compensation can be a prudent step in ensuring consumer rights are protected.
