Johnson & Johnson recalls Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens due to chemical concerns

Johnson & Johnson on Wednesday issued a voluntary recall of five spray sunscreens made under the labels Neutrogena and Aveeno, saying it found low levels of benzene in the products.

The recall includes four Neutrogena aerosol sunscreens: Beach Defense, Cool Dry Sport, Invisible Daily and Ultra Sheer; and an Aveeno product: Protect + Refresh. The products were shipped nationwide and sold through a range of retail outlets.

Consumers are urged to stop using them immediately.

“Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, a substance that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure,” the company said in a statement, adding that the modeling showed exposure daily at the low chemical levels in impacted sunscreens. “Should not have adverse health consequences”.

However, “out of caution, we are recalling all of these specific aerosolized sunscreen products,” he continued.

Customers can file a refund request directly with the company.

Johnson & Johnson said it does not use benzene in its sunscreens and the company is still studying its appearance in these products. The substance can be absorbed by inhalation, orally or through the skin.

Despite the recall, the company urged consumers to continue using sunscreen, even after throwing out the affected products.

“The use of sunscreen is essential for public health. The incidences of melanoma continue to rise worldwide and the majority of cases are caused by excessive sun exposure, ”the company said. “It is important that people around the world continue to take appropriate sun protection measures, including the continued use of alternative sunscreen.”