Skincare experts stress the importance of sunscreen against UV protection to prevent premature aging and cancer. However, could the ingredients in your sunscreen be a cause of cancer as well? On Wednesday, July 14, 2021, Johnson & Johnson released a written statement. The statement entailed that specific sunscreen brands under Johnson and Johnson have been recalled due to benzene exposure.
Valisure LLC, an independent laboratory, discovered these findings through testing various skincare products. Consumer Lab, another independent company, suggests the exposure may have happened during the manufacturing process or sourcing, although they are not sure.
Johnson and Johnson stated the low levels are not enough to cause cancer. Furthermore, the amount present is acceptable under the Environmental Protection Agency Framework. However, in the best interest of their customers and to proceed with caution, Johnson and Jonson willingly sent out a recall for sunscreens with benzene exposure to be removed from the shelves.
Product Recall On Sunscreen With Benzene
The recall for benzene exposure is solely on Aerosol Sunscreens from the Aveeno and Neutrogena names listed below. Discard the sunscreens mentioned in all sizes and sun protection levels. Call Johnson & Johnson’s Consumer Care Center at 1-800-458-1673 to request a refund or for further questions or concerns.
Sunscreens With Benzene Exposure
- Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen – Neutrogena
- Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen –Neutrogena
- Invisible Daily defense aerosol sunscreen –Neutrogena
- Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreen –Neutrogena
- Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen –Aveeno
According to Consumer Lab in a report written back in May, Benzene concentrations existed in some After-Sun Products consisting of gels and sprays. Valisure lists the After-Sun Products below as containing a Benzene level of 2ppm (parts per million) or higher. There are not any recalls for these products.
- Sum Bum Cool Down Gel
- CVS after Sun Aloe Vera Smoothing Spray
- Fruit of The Earth Aloe Vera Gel
Visit Complete Valisure’s FDA Citizen Petition on Sun Care Products to see the complete list.
What Is Benzene?
Benzene is a chemical to which you may be exposed daily in low quantities. It is used in the chemical synthesis of products, like plastics, and is a component in gasoline. People who work in industries where they manufacture these products are at an even greater risk of exposure.
Inhaling high amounts of benzene can cause headaches and dizziness. Additionally, skin exposure to the chemical can cause redness and blisters. Long-term exposure to benzene can lead to leukemia.
Safe Sunscreen Without Benzene
Protection from Ultraviolet radiation is essential, and sunscreens contain the highest UV protection abilities. It protects us from advanced skin and cell aging as well as melanoma. Sunscreen lotions appear to be a safer alternative than aerosol sprays at the moment. Sunscreen products not mentioned as having a Benzene exposure are presumably safe. Valisure is accepting sunscreen products from consumers to analyze for free. Visit Valisure Studying Sun Care Product Contamination if you are interested.
Reducing sun exposure & natural UV protection
- Wear Sun or umbrella hats.
- When the sun is at its brightest, avoid going for a walk outside.
- Look into sun protection clothing made for the summer.
- Get sun protection through your diet with grape seed oil, quercetin, and fish oil.
- Drink more green tea.
- Apply walnut extract topically.
- Apply sesame oil topically.
