Church & Dwight Co., the owner of the popular Batiste dry shampoo brand, has agreed to a $2.5 million class action lawsuit settlement over claims that its products contain benzene.
Consumers who purchased one or more Batiste dry shampoo items before May 30, 2023, may be eligible to file a claim and receive up to $10 in compensation. No proof of purchase is required, but those who provide proof may receive more money.
The settlement is the result of a lawsuit filed in 2022 by plaintiffs who alleged that Batiste dry shampoo products contain unsafe levels of the carcinogen benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogen that can cause cancer, leukemia, and other health problems. (More than 1.5 million dry shampoo products were recalled last year due to traces of benzene.)
The lawsuit also alleged that Church & Dwight knew about the benzene contamination in Batiste’s dry shampoo products but failed to warn consumers. Church & Dwight has denied any wrongdoing, but agreed to the settlement to avoid the cost and uncertainty of litigation.
The deadline to file a claim in the settlement is November 15, 2023. A final approval hearing is set for September 16, 2023.
Luckily, there are some tested and proven dry shampoos that are formulated without benzene and are safe to use. Find our full list here.
