Johnson & Johnson voluntarily recalls Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens due to presence of benzene

In an official statement on Wednesday, Johnson and Johnson announced that it is voluntarily recalling all lots of five Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol sunscreen product lines to the consumer level. 

According to the statement, low levels of human carcinogen, benzene were found in some samples of the products, after internal testing was done. 

“While benzene is not an ingredient in any of our sunscreen products, it was detected in some samples of the impacted aerosol sunscreen finished products. We are investigating the cause of this issue, which is limited to certain aerosol sunscreen products.” The company said in the official statement. 

Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, a substance that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure

“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. Out of an abundance of caution, we are recalling all lots of these specific aerosol sunscreen products.” It further added.

The recalled aerosol sunscreens are Neutrogena Beach Defense, Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport, Neutrogena Invisible Daily defense, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer, and Aveeno Protect + Refresh.

Voluntary recall of products is another major blow to Johnson and Johnson, one of the world’s largest producers of consumer health products. In 2018, the company landed in hot water when its baby powders were under the scanner for the alleged presence of asbestos in the powders.