Personal care and consumer products manufacturer, Proctor & Gamble (P&G) has responded positively to reports that its Herbal Essence line of shampoos contains high levels of a toxic substance.

The shampoos were found to contain higher than normal levels of the substance 1,4-dioxane. This ingredient is listed as a cancer causing agent under Proposition 65. Reports indicate that P&G decided to reformulate the shampoos after being threatened with a lawsuit by Green Patriot Working Group founder, David Steinman.

Steinman reported that tests on the shampoo showed it contained 24 ppm (parts per million) of the substance. The number should ideally be 10 ppm according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. At least 18 of the shampoos will be reformulated to reduce the levels of the substance.