With summer in full swing, many of us are reaching for our favorite SPF products to ensure we stay protected while spending time in the sun. But one product you currently can’t find on the shelves in the U.S. is Neutrogena aerosol sunscreen. And that’s because the brand has decided to voluntarily recall its products due to benzene levels (a known human carcinogen). This recall comes shortly after an independent pharmaceutical testing company, Valisure, detected high levels of benzene in popular sunscreen products.
If you’re worried that you currently have the affected products on hand, and you’re not sure what to do now, then follow along as we break down everything you need to know about the Neutrogena recall and the next steps you can take.
What Products Are Recalled?
The good news is not all Neutrogena sunscreen products are recalled. Only aerosol products are affected in this recall. The brand specifically lists the following products:
- NEUTROGENA® Beach Defense® aerosol sunscreen;
- NEUTROGENA® Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen;
- NEUTROGENA® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen; and
- NEUTROGENA® Ultra Sheer® aerosol sunscreen.
To see the full list of recalled products, view HERE.
What Is Benzene Anyway?
If you don’t already know, benzene is a known human carcinogen that could potentially cause cancer (depending on the levels and extent of exposure). Although Neutrogena says in their statement, “Daily exposure to benzene in these sunscreen products at the levels detected in internal testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.” But the brand has decided to err on the side of caution by recalling all lots of these sunscreen products.
What to Do Now?
So if you have any of the products listed on their recall guide, Neutrogena recommends consumers stop using them immediately. They also recommend disposing of the products properly, according to your local disposal procedure for aerosol products. Contact your local waste management services for more information.
Finally, if you’d like to request a refund for your product(s) you can fill out their online form.
Photo Credit: NeutrogenaThe Importance of Sunscreen
While you may feel uneasy about using sunscreen following a recall, it’s important to remember there are many vital reasons to use sunscreen. Not only does it protect your skin and help prevent premature aging, but using the appropriate SPF can help reduce your risk of skin cancer.
If you have any questions or concerns about using sunscreen products you can talk to your doctor. If you have further questions about this recall, visit Neutrogena’s FAQ page or call their Consumer Care Center at 1-800-458-1673.
