Benzene in Personal Care Products: The Carcinogen Hiding in Plain Sight
Last year, the New York Times published an excellent article on carcinogenic chemicals found in personal care products, with a heavy emphasis on Benzene. It was one of those pieces that made many people pause mid-routine and think, “Wait… I use that. Every day.”
And that pause is warranted.
Benzene is not some obscure chemical that only affects factory workers or people living near oil refineries. While it does naturally occur in crude oil and is present in places like gasoline, air pollution, and sometimes water, it has also quietly found its way into products many of us apply directly to our bodies — often daily.
Sunscreens.
Dry shampoos.
Deodorants.
Acne products.
And yes, many of these are marketed directly to women.
What Is Benzene, and Why Does It Matter?
Benzene is a chemical compound found naturally in crude oil. Because of that, some level of environmental exposure is unavoidable. People working in manufacturing, chemical plants, or industrial settings are expected to have higher exposure levels, and occupational safety standards account for that.
What is not expected — or acceptable — is repeated exposure through personal care products.
Benzene has been classified as a carcinogen since 1987. That’s not new science. Long-term exposure has been linked to:
Blood cancers, including leukemia
Lung cancer
Anemia
Disruptions in menstrual cycles
Bone marrow suppression
This isn’t fringe research. This is well-established toxicology.
What I’m Seeing Clinically (And Why It’s Concerning)
In my practice, I offer an Organic Acids urine test through Genova Labs. Broadly speaking, this test provides insight into mitochondrial and cellular health using 47 markers that reflect nutrient status, neurotransmitter metabolites, oxidative stress, and chemical exposures.
I regularly use this test with:
People recovering from chronic illness
Post-COVID and long-COVID patients
Athletes and very fit individuals focused on optimization
Women dealing with unexplained fatigue, hormonal issues, or inflammation
One of the markers measured on this test is a Benzene metabolite. It gives us a snapshot of whether Benzene exposure is elevated beyond what we would consider optimal.
And I’ll be honest — I am consistently shocked by the number of people, especially women, who come back with non-optimal Benzene levels in their urine.
These are not people working in factories.
These are not people pumping gas for a living.
These are people using personal care products.
Daily.
Where Benzene Is Showing Up
The New York Times article confirms what testing has already been showing clinically: Benzene contamination is present in many personal care products.
Some of the biggest offenders include:
Aerosol sunscreens
Aerosol dry shampoos
Aerosol deodorants
And here’s the critical point: Benzene exposure is most dangerous when it is inhaled.
When a product is aerosolized, you are not just applying it to your skin — you are breathing it directly into your lungs. From there, it enters the bloodstream rapidly and efficiently.
The NYT article notes that chronic inhalation of Benzene has been linked to lung cancer, blood cancers, anemia, and irregular menstrual periods.
That should make anyone using aerosol products daily stop and think.
Dose Matters — But Frequency Matters More
With most chemicals, the dose makes the poison. A healthy, well-nourished body with adequate antioxidant reserves and functional detox pathways can often handle an occasional exposure without long-term consequences.
If you get a spray tan once a year for a holiday party, I’m not convinced that’s something worth losing sleep over.
But that’s not what I’m seeing in real life.
What I’m seeing are women — and young girls — using:
Spray dry shampoo daily
Spray sunscreen daily
Spray deodorant daily
Spray tans regularly
Daily exposure changes the equation entirely.
Now add the fact that Benzene has been shown to penetrate the skin — which is not surprising, given that the skin is our largest organ and substances applied topically routinely enter the bloodstream.
Even more concerning? Benzene can off-gas from non-aerosol products as well. That means a lotion or cream can release Benzene vapors that are inhaled while you apply it.
So even “non-spray” doesn’t always mean “no inhalation.”
Products You Might Not Expect
Beyond the obvious aerosol products, Benzene contamination has also been detected in:
Diapers
Disposable wipes
Tampons
Sanitary pads
Hand sanitizer
This matters because these products are used:
Frequently
Repeatedly
On sensitive, highly absorptive tissue
And again — frequency matters.
So What Should You Do?
The goal here is not panic. It’s awareness and smarter choices.
The New York Times article recommends keeping any Benzene-containing products you continue to use out of heated environments. Heat can increase chemical degradation and off-gassing.
Beyond that, there are some very practical steps that dramatically reduce exposure.
Avoid aerosol products entirely.
This is the single biggest change with the biggest payoff. Dry shampoo comes in shakable powder forms. Use those instead.
If you regularly use benzoyl peroxide products for acne, consider switching to non-benzene alternatives. Benzoyl peroxide has been implicated in Benzene formation under certain conditions.
Do your research before shopping.
A quick Google search can save you money and regret. Look for brands that are Benzene-free, SLS-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free.
Yes, it takes a little more effort. But it’s effort that actually moves the needle.
Here is a helpful resource listing Benzene-free sunscreens:
https://workoutfitnessmag.com/blogs/wellness/sunscreens-that-do-not-contain-benzene
And here is the New York Times article referenced above:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/05/well/benzene-health-sunscreen.html
Testing: Turning Guesswork Into Data
If you’re concerned about your Benzene exposure, testing can be incredibly informative.
The Organic Acids urine test I use in my practice gives us insight not only into Benzene exposure, but into:
Cellular energy production
Nutrient deficiencies
Oxidative stress
Detoxification capacity
It allows us to move beyond “I think this might be an issue” into actionable data.
Testing can be submitted to insurance for reimbursement, and results give us a clear path forward rather than vague recommendations.
If you’re interested in learning more about urine testing or whether it makes sense for you, you’re welcome to contact my office.
Final Thoughts
We cannot eliminate every chemical exposure in modern life. That’s unrealistic.
But we can eliminate unnecessary, repeated, high-impact exposures — especially when they come from products we choose to use every day.
Benzene is not a wellness buzzword.
It’s a known carcinogen.
And once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
Happy 4th — and here’s to making informed choices that actually protect long-term health.
FAQ: Benzene and Personal Care Products
What is Benzene and why is it dangerous?
Benzene is a chemical classified as a carcinogen since 1987. Long-term exposure has been linked to blood cancers, lung cancer, anemia, and hormonal disruptions.
Why are aerosol products especially risky?
Aerosols allow Benzene to be inhaled directly into the lungs, where it enters the bloodstream quickly and efficiently.
Is occasional exposure a problem?
Occasional exposure is less concerning for a healthy body, but daily or repeated exposure significantly increases risk.
Can Benzene be absorbed through the skin?
Yes. Benzene can penetrate the skin, and some products can off-gas vapors that are inhaled during application.
Are non-aerosol products always safe?
Not necessarily. Some non-spray products can still release Benzene vapors or contain contamination.
How can I reduce my exposure?
Avoid aerosols, research brands ahead of time, use powder-based alternatives, and choose products free of Benzene and other harmful additives.
How can I test my Benzene exposure?
Urine testing through an Organic Acids test can measure Benzene metabolites and provide insight into overall cellular health.
