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How to Test for Benzene in Cosmetics

Samantha Bear, MS
Human created content
5 min read
First published
August 22, 2025
Last updated
September 19, 2025

Concerned about benzene in personal care products? Benzene — a chemical linked to serious health risks — has been detected in consumer goods like sunscreen, deodorant, and dry shampoo. SimpleLab’s Benzene Cosmetics test, a certified mail-to-lab test kit, is the best way to test for benzene in cosmetics.

How Do You Test for Benzene in Cosmetics?

The most accurate way to test for benzene in cosmetics is to send a product sample to a certified laboratory. SimpleLab’s Benzene in Cosmetics Test Kit makes this process easy.

Key Features:

  • All necessary sampling materials
  • Easy-to-follow instructions
  • Prepaid 2-day return shipping
  • Certified lab analysis (Headspace GC-MS method)
  • A clear, digital report of results

The lab will analyze your cosmetic sample down to a detection level of 0.13 µg/g using validated methods for residual solvents.

Who Is This Test Right For?

This test is ideal for anyone concerned about benzene contamination in a personal care product — especially if you've seen recent recalls or media coverage. 

Whether you're testing sunscreen, face cream, hand sanitizer, deodorant, or shampoo:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a test strip or DIY method?

No. Benzene is a volatile compound that requires advanced lab instrumentation for detection. DIY kits and test strips cannot accurately detect benzene.

How long does the test take?

You'll receive your digital report about 10 business days after the lab receives your sample.

What does the kit test for?

This kit analyzes your cosmetic product for benzene only. If you’re concerned about other contaminants, explore SimpleLab’s other personal care testing options.

Why test cosmetics at all?

While benzene isn’t supposed to be in cosmetics, contamination can happen during manufacturing. This kit helps you verify the safety of the products you use every day.

Questions? Contact Us

SimpleLab makes lab testing easy, accurate, and accessible. 

 

If you have any questions about testing with SimpleLab, reach out to our customer support team any time.

The SimpleLab Standard

  1. Proven Reliability: SimpleLab partners with North America's leading analytical institutions—including Eurofins, Pace Analytical, SGS, and Microbac—each with their own rigorous quality control protocols to ensure top-tier accuracy. Our certified labs are located across all 50 states, making logistics a breeze.

  2. Simplified Sampling: Every kit includes professional-grade materials, clear instructions, automated chain of custody, and free return shipping— making accurate testing effortless.

  3. Seamless Experience: We combine human support with automated logistics to help make complex lab analyses accessible to all. From our user interface to our lab reports, we ensure a time-saving, frustration-free process.

Samantha Bear, MS

Senior Research Scientist

In her role as the Senior Research Scientist at SimpleLab, Samantha leverages her expertise in water chemistry and engineering to ensure that all SimpleLab and Tap Score products and communications are held to the highest scientific standards. Samantha has Bachelor's and Master's degrees in environmental engineering and five years of laboratory research experience in environmental analytical chemistry. In her free time, Samantha can be found out running trails, sitting in a coffee shop or hanging out with her dogs.

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