Sunscreens recalled after cancer causing carcinogen found in some samples

A recall has been issued concerning a cancer causing agent being found in certain sunscreens.

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. is voluntarily recalling all lots of five NEUTROGENA® and AVEENO® aerosol sunscreen product lines to the consumer level. Internal testing identified low levels of benzene in some samples of the products.

The only sunscreen products impacted are aerosol products, specifically:

NEUTROGENA® Beach Defense® aerosol sunscreen,
NEUTROGENA® Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen,
NEUTROGENA® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen,
NEUTROGENA® Ultra Sheer® aerosol sunscreen, and
AVEENO® Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen.

Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, a substance that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure. Benzene is ubiquitous in the environment. According to the company, based on exposure modeling and the Environmental Protection Agency’s framework, daily exposure to benzene in these aerosol sunscreen products at the levels detected in the testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are recalling all lots of these specific aerosol sunscreen products.”

While benzene is not a normal ingredient in the sunscreen products, it was detected in some samples of the impacted aerosol sunscreen finished products.

“We are investigating the cause of this issue, which is limited to certain aerosol sunscreen products.”

The recalled sunscreen products are packaged in aerosol cans. The products were distributed nationwide through a variety of retail channels.

Consumers should stop using these specific products and appropriately discard them. Consumers may contact the JJCI Consumer Care Center 24/7 with questions or to request a refund by calling 1-800-458-1673. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have any questions, concerns or have experienced any problems related to using these aerosol sunscreen products. JJCI is also notifying its distributors and retailers by letter and is arranging for returns of all recalled products.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

-Complete and submit the report online
-Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178