Valisure's results
According to Valisure's research, 2 Suave brand deodorants came up as positive for benzene contamination, one with more than double acceptable FDA limits.
- Suave 24-hour protection Powder - 5.21 ppm avg.
- Suave 24-hour protection Fresh - 2.30 ppm avg.
One batch of Suave deodorants showed benzene concentrations below 2 parts per million:
- Suave 24-hour protection Powder - 0.97 ppm avg.
Even though benzene was detected in several Suave deodorants, not all products were affected, with two batches of Suave deodorants showing no signs of contamination.
- Suave - 24-Hour Protection, Powder, Instantly Dry, Dry Spray
- Suave - Coconut Kiss, Instantly Dry, Dry Spray
It’s important to note that benzene is not an ingredient used by manufacturers and that contamination most likely results from the propellants used to spray the deodorant out of the can, such as propane, butane, isobutane, alcohol, and hydrofluorocarbon 152a.
Recalled Suave deodorants
After the benzene contamination of Suave brand deodorants became public knowledge, outraged consumers started filing class action complaints against the liable manufacturers.
Months after Valisure published its report, Unilever voluntarily recalled 2 Suave deodorants in March 2022, claiming that it had also ceased the product line's manufacture in October 2021.
- Suave - 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant Powder 4 oz. & 6 oz.
- Suave - 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant Fresh 6 oz.
In July 2022, Judge Matthew Kennelly ruled that he would allow plaintiffs' to further press claims of unjust enrichment and consumer fraud against Unilever.
