Valisure's results
Valisure's research indicates that 2 Secret brand deodorants showed benzene contamination in different proportions, with one being 8 times higher than admissible FDA standards.
- Secret Powder Fresh - 16.2 ppm avg.
- Secret Cool Light & Airy Smooth Feel, Rose - 4.85 ppm avg.
An additional 3 Secret brand deodorants displayed benzene contamination at levels below the 2ppm FDA standard.
- Secret Cool Light & Airy Smooth Feel, Light Essentials - 1.64 ppm avg.
- Secret Cool Light & Airy Smooth Feel, Waterlily - 1.35 ppm avg.
- Secret Out Last, Protecting Powder - 1.24 ppm avg.
Despite benzene being present in Secret brand deodorants, it is not an ingredient used by manufacturers. Benzene contamination is likely the result of propellants used in aerosol sprays such as hydrofluorocarbon 152a, butane, isobutane, propane, or alcohol.
Recalled Secret brand deodorants
Following the public disclosure of widespread benzene contamination, consumers began filing class action complaints against the liable manufacturers.
Procter & Gamble issued a recall of contaminated products on November 23rd, 2021, that included 10 Secret brand deodorants, citing "an abundance of caution."
- Secret - Aerosol Powder Fresh Twin Pack
- Secret - Aerosol Powder Fresh 12/6OZ
- Secret - Aerosol Powder Fresh 12/4OZ
- Secret - Fresh Collection Inv Spray Waterlily 3.8oz
- Secret - Fresh Collection Inv Spray Lavender 12/3.8oz
- Secret - Fresh Collection Inv Spray Water Lily 12/3.8oz
- Secret - Fresh Collection Inv Spray Light Essentials 12/3.8oz
- Secret - Fresh Collection Inv Spray Rose 12/3.8oz
- Secret - Outlast Inv Spray Completely Clean 12/3.8oz
- Secret - Outlast Inv Spray Protecting Powder 12/3.8oz
Regardless of the recall, scandalized consumers' claims were eventually consolidated into a more encompassing multi-district litigation lawsuit. On May 3rd, 2022, Procter & Gamble agreed with the plaintiffs to settle the matter out of court for an undisclosed amount.
