Old Spice Lawsuit: The Benzene Recall and the $8M Settlement
In November 2021, Procter & Gamble recalled Old Spice and Secret aerosol sprays after benzene - a known carcinogen - was detected in samples. Class actions followed and settled for $8 million, covering a surprisingly wide range of P&G aerosols. Claims closed January 26, 2023 and payments went out. Nothing is open today. Here is the verified record.
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Reviewed by Leonard Goldberg, Editor · Last updated
The Recall and the Claims
Independent lab testing (Valisure) found benzene contamination in aerosol antiperspirants across brands in late 2021 - traced to propellant manufacturing, not the products' formulas. P&G recalled Old Spice and Secret aerosol sprays in November 2021. The class actions claimed consumers bought products unfit for use and would not have paid had contamination risks been disclosed - economic claims; the settlement compensated purchases, not injuries.
Case Details
Consolidated federal class litigation against The Procter & Gamble Company settled on a nationwide basis for $8,000,000, covering aerosol antiperspirants, deodorants, body sprays, dry shampoos and dry conditioners across Old Spice, Secret, Pantene, Aussie, Herbal Essences, Hair Food and Waterless, purchased November 4, 2015 - December 31, 2021.
Status: Settled, Paid, Closed
Who Was Covered - and Who Isn't Now
U.S. purchasers of the covered P&G aerosol products between November 4, 2015 and December 31, 2021 who filed by January 26, 2023. Nobody can file today. If you still own a recalled 2021-era aerosol (18-month shelf life long expired), discard it; P&G's recall reimbursement program has also ended. Anyone claiming to process 'Old Spice benzene claims' in 2026 is not connected to any court.
What People Actually Received
Old Spice Case Timeline
- 1
November 2021 — Recall
P&G pulls Old Spice and Secret aerosols after benzene findings in propellants.
- 2
Late 2021 — Class Actions Filed
Purchase-refund suits consolidate against P&G.
- 3
January 26, 2023 — Claim Deadline
$8M settlement claims close; final approval and payments follow in 2023.
- 4
2024-2026 — Closed
No new Old Spice litigation; recycled 'lawsuit 2026' content circulates anyway.
Watch Out For
Recalled-product settlements have long clickbait tails:
'Old Spice lawsuit 2026 - claim now' pages
The settlement closed in January 2023. Current claim forms are fake.
Cancer-payout promises
The settlement paid purchase refunds only. No injury fund existed; solicitations for 'Old Spice cancer claims' have no case behind them.
Recall confusion across brands
The benzene recalls covered many companies (P&G, Unilever, others), each with separate settlements and deadlines - all now closed.
Old Spice Lawsuit - FAQ
Can I still file an Old Spice benzene claim?
No. The $8M settlement's deadline was January 26, 2023.
How much did the settlement pay?
Up to $3.50 per covered product - about $10.50 or three vouchers per household without receipts, more with proof of purchase.
Which products were covered?
P&G aerosols bought November 2015 - December 2021: Old Spice and Secret antiperspirant sprays plus Pantene, Aussie, Herbal Essences, Hair Food and Waterless aerosol products.
Was benzene actually in Old Spice?
Testing found benzene in some aerosol samples - a propellant contamination issue industry-wide. P&G recalled the sprays; the settlement resolved purchase claims without admissions.
What about the Old Spice rash lawsuit?
A 2016 suit alleged deodorant rashes and drew headlines; it ended without a class settlement or fund. Rash complaints are handled by P&G customer service, not any court program.
Is Old Spice safe now?
The recalled aerosols left shelves in 2021 and propellant sourcing changed industry-wide; current products are not subject to any recall or open litigation.
Where can I find settlements that are still open?
Our open-settlements directory lists verified live claim windows with official administrator links - the Old Spice matter is not among them.
Separate from this case: were you injured in the last 2 years?
Class-action payouts are fixed amounts through an administrator. A personal injury claim is a different case — and often worth far more. Free estimate, no obligation.