Johnson & Johnson Issues Voluntary Recall for Neutrogena, Aveeno Aerosol Sunscreen Products Due to Benzene Presence

All lots of 5 Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol sunscreen product lines are being voluntarily recalled by Johnson & Johnson to the consumer level, with internal testing identifying low levels of benzene in samples of the products, according to a press release.

The only sunscreen products impacted are aerosol products include:

• 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.

Benzene is a human carcinogen that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure. It can also be absorbed to varying degrees by inhalation, through the skin, and orally. Daily exposure to benzene at the levels detected in the aerosol sunscreen products would not be expected to cause adverse health effects, according to Johnson & Johnson.

The cause of the issue is being further investigated, which is limited to certain aerosol sunscreen products based on the samples.

Consumers should stop using these products and discard them appropriately. Questions or requests of a refund can be done through the JJCI Consumer Care Center 24/7 or by calling 800-458-1673. Any problems related to using aerosol sunscreen products should be consulted with a physician or health care provider.

REFERENCE

Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Specific NEUTROGENA® and AVEENO® Aerosol Sunscreen Products Due to the Presence of Benzene. Johnson & Johnson. July 14, 2021. Accessed July 15, 2021. https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-consumer-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-of-specific-neutrogena-and-aveeno-aerosol-sunscreen-products-due-to-the-presence-of-benzene