Moms and Dads

Using Dry Shampoo in The Philippines: Does It Help?

For moms on-the-go, dry shampoo products may have made waves even in the Philippines but here’s why some got recalled!

Dry shampoo saves us on-the-go moms time from going through the shower and drying our hair while still getting that fresh, silky look right before work. But some reports came out about dry shampoo having some carcinogens or cancer-causing ingredients, forcing some companies to recall their products. However, that doesn’t mean they’re useless. Here’s what we know so far about dry shampoo especially here in the Philippines.

Using Dry Shampoo in The Philippines

Benzene: The Carcinogen in Question

Benzene is a common component in most fragrances because it has a sweet and aromatic smell akin to fruits. It’s also highly reactive to the thickening agents in most shampoos and soaps: carbomer, making it a perfect component in creating that perfect shampoo. But like most components, there is a threshold before people consider it toxic. Studies reported a 1.5 to 4.47 PPM (parts per million) and that’s usually when people can smell it already.

Unfortunately, this threshold doesn’t cover chronic use. This is what caused a lot of companies that produce dry shampoo to recall their products. It’s a lawsuit waiting to happen; some may call their use of benzene in their products in spite of their risks a form of reckless endangerment.

Dry Shampoo in the Philippines: Do people use it?

The use of dry shampoo isn’t actually popular in the Philippines. As a humid and tropical country, many of us would prefer taking a bath three times a day. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, some of us would even bathe five times a day to get rid of the virus and germs, and to protect our loved ones who are immunocompromised.

However, some jobs call for its use such as doctors and nurses who are infamous for pulling off 72-hour shifts to take care of patients. When they don’t have the time to go home and shower, some resort to using it to stay presentable.

dry shampoo

Always read the label of your dry shampoo before using it!

To check if your dry shampoo contains benzene compounds, look for the words “butane”, “isobutane”, or “propane” among the ingredients. Some may even identify it as LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) because gas can evaporate quickly, creating the “dry” effect. This is common in mostly aerosol-type shampoos. So always read the list of ingredients in your personal care products. Doing so will spare you the stress of using products that can potentially harm you and your family.

More about product awareness?

A Modern Parent’s Guide to Skincare Ingredients You Shouldn’t Mix
The Purpose in Skincare According to Tiffany Masterson
6 Things to Consider Before Using Hair Dye

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