Johnson & Johnson Recalls Neutrogena & Aveeno Aerosol Sunscreens

A leader in the suncare market, 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.
 
The only sunscreen products impacted are aerosols: Neutrogena Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Neutrogena Invisible Daily defense aerosol sunscreen, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreen and Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen .
 
Benzene was detected in some samples of the impacted products. JJCI is investigating the cause of this issue, which is limited to certain aerosol sunscreen products.
 
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. 
 
JJCI noted that 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 our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.”
 
JJCI said it is recalling all lots of these specific aerosol sunscreen products out of an abundance of caution.
 
The products were distributed nationwide through a variety of retail channels. JJCI is notifying its distributors and retailers by letter and is arranging for returns of all recalled products. 
 
The sun care market saw sales slide last year as many vacation plans were put on hold due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Information Resources, Inc., sales of suntan lotion and oil in US multi-outlets for the 52 weeks ended Dec. 27, 2020 fell 8.7% to $1.17 billion, with unit sales down 12.3%.
 
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 (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.