A cancer-causing chemical in Aveeno and Neutrogena sunscreen products forced Johnson and Johnson to issue a recall.
The chemical, benzene, is known to cause health issues and is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Benzene is known to contribute to the development of blood cancer and can be found in cigarettes, gasoline, glues, and cleaning products.
The recalled products include Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreens: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen, and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen. J&J claimed the recall is a voluntary measure.
“Daily exposure to benzene in these aerosol sunscreen products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences,” read a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are recalling all lots of these specific aerosol sunscreen products.”
In June, a study was conducted by Valisure, an online lab, and pharmacy. Valisure reported that all of the sample products that “contained [Benzene] up to three times the conditionally restricted FDA concentration limit of 2 parts per million.” 78 of the 300 tested products contained Benzene. The results led Valisure to petition, demanding the FDA recall the contaminated products.
