Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. has voluntarily recalled all lots of five specific NEUTROGENA® and AVEENO® aerosol sunscreen product lines after internal testing revealed low levels of benzene in some samples. This action, announced on July 14, 2021, is a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety. If you’ve been using these aerosol sunscreens, here’s what you need to know about the Aveeno benzene recall and how the company is addressing the situation.
Which Sunscreens Are Recalled?
The recall is specific to aerosol sunscreen products from NEUTROGENA® and AVEENO®. Here are the affected product lines:
- NEUTROGENA® Beach Defense® aerosol sunscreen
- NEUTROGENA® Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen
- NEUTROGENA® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen
- NEUTROGENA® Ultra Sheer® aerosol sunscreen
- AVEENO® Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen
It’s important to note that only these aerosol sunscreen products are impacted by the recall. Product images and lot information are available on the Neutrogena and Aveeno websites to help consumers identify if they have any of the recalled items.
Why Was Benzene Found in Sunscreens?
Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, meaning it has the potential to cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure. While benzene is present everywhere in the environment and people are exposed to it daily from various sources, its presence in consumer products is a concern.
Johnson & Johnson stated that benzene is not an ingredient in any of their sunscreen products. The company’s investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the benzene detection in certain aerosol sunscreen products. Despite benzene not being intentionally added, its presence, even at low levels, prompted the voluntary recall as a safety precaution.
Is Benzene in Sunscreen Dangerous?
The levels of benzene detected in the recalled sunscreen samples were low. According to exposure modeling and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) framework, daily exposure to benzene at these detected levels in aerosol sunscreens is not expected to cause adverse health consequences.
Alt: Image displaying the five recalled aerosol sunscreen products from Neutrogena and Aveeno brands, emphasizing the Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen.
However, Johnson & Johnson is recalling all lots of these specific aerosol sunscreen products out of an abundance of caution. This proactive approach highlights their commitment to consumer safety and transparency.
What Should Consumers Do?
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled aerosol sunscreens should immediately stop using them and discard them appropriately.
For any questions or to request a refund, consumers can contact the JJCI Consumer Care Center 24/7 at 1-800-458-1673. If you have any health concerns or have experienced any issues related to using these products, it’s recommended to contact your physician or healthcare provider.
Johnson & Johnson is also communicating directly with its distributors and retailers to arrange for the return of all recalled products, further demonstrating their commitment to managing this recall effectively.
Sunscreen Safety and Continued Sun Protection
It is crucial to remember that sunscreen use remains a critical component of public health. Melanoma and other skin cancers are serious concerns, and the majority of cases are linked to excessive sun exposure.
Alt: Image promoting the importance of sunscreen use for sun protection and skin cancer prevention, relevant to the context of sunscreen recall.
This recall is limited to specific aerosol sunscreen products. It is vital that people continue to use alternative sunscreen products and take other sun protection measures to safeguard their health against sun damage. The recall is a specific issue related to certain aerosol formulations and does not negate the overall importance of sun safety.
Reporting Adverse Reactions
Consumers who experience any adverse reactions or quality problems from using the recalled sunscreen products are encouraged to report them to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. This can be done online, by mail, or by fax. Reporting to the FDA helps monitor the safety of consumer products and ensures ongoing vigilance in the marketplace.
This voluntary recall is being conducted with the full knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, underscoring the collaborative effort to protect public health and address the benzene contamination issue in these specific sunscreen products.
