TAGS: Sun Care
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (JJCI) 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.
Benzene – Human Carcinogen
Consumers should stop using the affected products and follow the instructions set forth below. The only
sunscreen products impacted are aerosol products, specifically:
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NEUTROGENA® Beach Defense® aerosol sunscreen
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NEUTROGENA® Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen
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NEUTROGENA® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen
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NEUTROGENA® Ultra Sheer® aerosol sunscreen
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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. Humans around the world have daily exposures indoors and outdoors from multiple sources. Benzene can be absorbed, to varying degrees, by inhalation, through the skin, and orally.
Based on exposure modeling and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 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, the company is recalling all lots of these specific aerosol sunscreen products.
J&J Investigating Cause of the Issue
While benzene is not an ingredient in any of J&J's sunscreen products, it was detected in some samples of the impacted aerosol sunscreen finished products. J&J is 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.
This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Source: Johnson & Johnson