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July 19, 2021 9:36 am
Sunscreen recall: What the finding of a cancer-causing chemical means for you
The companies recently pulled several sunscreens from market shelves after independent testing had found they were contaminated with a cancer-causing chemical called benzene.
"Exposure to benzene increases the risk of developing leukemia and other blood disorders," according to the National Cancer Institute.
CVS Health also stopped selling two of its after-sun care products due to similar findings. But other sunscreens and after-sun cosmetics, which also tested positive for the toxin, remain on the market (the full list is below).
The vast majority of tested sunscreens, however, were free of benzene, and experts stress the importance of sunscreen use to protect skin from the aging and cancerous effects of the sun.
"It is NOT a reason to stop using sun protection, which is known to prevent skin cancer. To do so would be like hearing a particular car model was recalled and then committing to never drive again," dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a past president of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, posted on Instagram.
How did brand-name sunscreens become contaminated with benzene? Should you be concerned? And what can you do to protect yourself and your family? We've gathered answers to these questions and more.
Which sunscreens were recalled?
All batches, or lots, of these four Neutrogena spray sunscreens and one Aveeno spray were voluntarily recalled this week by parent company Johnson & Johnson (J&J) "out of an abundance of caution":
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- Neutrogena® Beach Defense® aerosol
- Neutrogena® Cool Dry Sport aerosol
- Neutrogena® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol
- Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer® aerosol
- Aveeno® Protect + Refresh aerosol
"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," J&J reported in a statement. "Consumers should stop using these specific products and appropriately discard them."
Specific lots of all recalled Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens can be found here, and customers can call with questions and request a refund by completing this form, or calling 1-800-458-1673.
CVS also stopped selling CVS Health After Sun Aloe Vera and CVS Health After Sun Aloe Vera Spray a day after the Johnson & Johnson recall was announced.
Mike DeAngelis, senior director of CVS Health's corporate communications, told CNN the company is "cooperating with Johnson & Johnson's voluntary recall."
He said that "CVS products have not been recalled," but the company has paused sales of the two CVS products, which tested positive for benzene, "out of an abundance of caution." CVS Health is working with the supplier of the products to "take appropriate additional steps," he added.
However, one of the CVS products on the list of benzene-contaminated products, After-sun Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel, "is still for sale," DeAngelis said.
Why were the sunscreens recalled?
The voluntary recalls and pause in sales came after an independent lab tested 294 samples from 69 brands of sprays, lotions, gels and creams designed to protect the skin from the sun or care for the skin after sun. Of those, 78 samples tested positive for benzene.Contamination appeared in specific batches of sunscreen, rather than a specific brand, said David Light, CEO and founder of Valisure, the independent lab that ran the tests.
"The finding of benzene in sunscreen was certainly surprising to me as a scientist and a consumer. I'm quite a heavy user of sunscreen myself; I have five kids and we all use sunscreen, so it was rather concerning to find such high levels," Light said.
Multiple samples contained "significantly detectable benzene and some batches contained up to 3.1 times the conditionally restricted limit," according to the citizen petition asking for action that Valisure filed with the US Food and Drug Administration.
"We petitioned the FDA to recall or to request recalls of the products that are 0.1 per million and above," Light told CNN. "It's obvious that we shouldn't be taking that risk, and we just wanted it cleaned up."
Samples of three of the recalled Neutrogena spray sunscreens -- Beach Defense, Invisible Daily and Ultra Sheer -- and one CVS brand -- After-sun Aloe Vera Soothing Spray -- had levels of benzene that were 2 parts per million or higher, according to Valisure's tests.
Another spray, Neutrogena's Cool Dry Sport, and CVS Health's After-sun Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel, tested at .01 to 2 parts per million of benzene in some samples.
Aveeno's Protect + Refresh aerosol, which was the fifth sunscreen recalled by J&J, was not tested by Valisure.
"We did not have the chance of acquiring any of the Aveeno sprays, but it certainly sounds like Johnson & Johnson's own internal testing confirms our overall concern with benzene in the sunscreens," Light said.
According to J&J, daily exposure to benzene in these sunscreen products "at the levels detected in internal testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences."
"There is not a safe level of benzene that can exist in sunscreen products," said Dr. Christopher Bunick, associate professor of dermatology at Yale University, in Valisure's press release. "Even benzene at 0.1 ppm (parts per million) in a sunscreen could expose people to excessively high nanogram amounts of benzene."
Which products were not recalled?
Samples of Eco Formula Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, Advanced After-Sun Gel by Sun Burst, Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 by SunBurnt, Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 by Goodsense, Ultimate Sheer Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 by TopCare Everyday, and UV Aero Broad-Spectrum Full-Body Sunscreen Spray, SPF 45 by EltaMD all tested for benzene at levels of 2 parts per million or higher.
Samples of three Banana Boat products also contained levels of benzene at those levels: Kids Max Protect & Play Sunscreen C-Spray SPF 100, UltraMist Deep Tanning Dry Oil Continuous Clear Spray SPF 4 and Ultra Sport Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 100.
To date, CNN was not able to verify that any of these products have been recalled following Valisure's request to that effect to the FDA.
The sunscreens tested by Valisure were only a tiny sample of the more than 11,000 registered sun care products on the market.
The Personal Care Products Council, an industry association, said its members were "firmly committed" to providing products with "ingredients that have been thoroughly tested for safety and follow the requirements of the law."
"We are aware of the study reporting the presence of benzene in some of the sunscreen products tested," the council said in a statement. "There is nothing more important than safety. If our consumers can't believe in a product or rely on it to do what it says, then nothing else matters."
What is benzene?
Benzene is a natural component of crude oil, gasoline and cigarette smoke and ranks in the top 20 chemicals used for production of "lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides," as well as "plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers," according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
At room temperature, benzene is a colorless or light yellow liquid with a sweet odor. Highly flammable, it will float on water, and while it evaporates quickly, it is heavier than air and can sink into low-lying areas, the CDC noted.
Gas emissions from volcanoes and forest fires are natural sources of benzene, but the largest sources are emissions from burning coal and oil, motor vehicle exhaust, and evaporation from gasoline service stations, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
Exposure to high levels of benzene in the air can cause death, the ATSDR says, but the impacts of eating foods or drinking liquids containing lower levels of benzene are not known.
"If you spill benzene on your skin, it may cause redness and sores. Benzene in your eyes may cause general irritation and damage to your cornea," the ATSDR said.
Cigarette smoke and off-gassing from furniture wax, detergents, glue and paint are sources of indoor exposure to benzene, according to the CDC, while outdoor air can be polluted with benzene from "gas stations, motor vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions."
How did benzene get into sunscreens?
No one knows for sure how the toxin ended up in sun care products. Benzene was not an ingredient in any of the sunscreens, so experts suspect contamination had to have occurred during the manufacturing process.
"There are a lot of theories," said Scott Faber, the senior vice president of government affairs for the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit consumer health advocacy group which puts out a yearly guide to safe sunscreens.
"Benzene could be a byproduct of the process of making the chemicals that companies sell to the formulators of personal care products and sunscreens. Or it could be that some of those chemicals break down into benzene, although that seems less likely," Faber said.
"But it's very alarming, especially since the FDA does not require companies to test ingredients for contaminants, nor does it require testing for such chemicals at a finished product stage," he added.
What is the FDA doing?
In response to Valisure's petition, the FDA told CNN that it "evaluates and assesses the information provided in citizen petitions of this type and, generally, initiates an independent testing and verification process."
"While the FDA evaluates the citizen petition submitted by Valisure, we will continue to monitor sunscreen manufacturing and marketing to help ensure the availability of safe sunscreens for U.S. consumers," an FDA spokesperson said.
How can I tell if my sunscreen is contaminated?
Because the contamination was sporadic and likely occurred accidentally, there is no way for consumers to look at a label and choose a product without benzene, Faber said.
"Sadly, consumers are screwed. There's no way to shop around this problem," Faber said, adding that consumers can petition for new regulations to more thoroughly test consumer care products for toxins and contaminants.
"People can tell the FDA to require over-the-counter sunscreen product companies to test for contaminants like benzene, and people can tell Congress to pass laws to modernize cosmetics safety laws," he said.
Valisure has committed to testing additional sun care products as they have space in their lab schedules, and it is encouraging people to send in sunscreens and sun care products they have purchased to be analyzed.
If you're interested in having your sunscreen tested in their crowdsourcing study, the full instructions on how to package and send your product can be found here.
How can I protect my family?
Benzene is not the only concern when it comes to sunscreen. A number of sunscreens have been shown to be ineffective or contain chemicals that can enter the bloodstream and disrupt hormones. In EWG's 2021 guide to sunscreens, they analyzed over 1,800 products and found that 75% did not provide adequate sun protection -- or included ingredients linked to harm. Still, there were over 200 products that did meet their safety standards.
All of this uncertainty may leave consumers unsure of what to do, and experts worry some may forgo the use of sunscreen altogether. But, experts warned, that's an even worse idea. Melanoma, one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer, has been on the rise globally for decades. And while survival rates are getting better, melanoma is still the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States.
And of course, it's always a great choice to use common sense practices as well to protect your skin from harmful rays. Wear shorts, shirts, pants and hats to help block dangerous rays and apply safe sunscreens to exposed skin. Wisely choose your time in the sun by avoiding the most intense rays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and seek shade whenever possible.
July 19, 2021 8:42 pm
This is scary to know that so many different sunscreens have become contaminated with this dangerous substance. Such a big name brand was effected by this too and they don't have any idea how it became contaminated. Sunscreen is so important and that I understand but it is scary to know that such an important product that you should be using daily has had so many different issues. With contaminates, not really having any effective protection from dangerous UV rays to damaging our coral reefs.
Topic starter
July 20, 2021 12:17 pm
Ye it is Kaytlyn. I do not understand how no one knows this. Sunscreen is pushed to be worn everyday and then this happens. it also happened to the hand sanitizers while COVID 19 hit us . On another note these manufactures must buy safe ingredients for SPF as well as all products
Topic starter
July 20, 2021 12:19 pm
I think the FDA needs to do a hard look at their laws. Are they looking out for the public?
July 25, 2021 10:00 pm
It is unbelievable that this was allowed to happen and the FDA didn't do anything about that. It was already bad enough hearing about the sunscreens that were recalled, but the aloe vera products from CVS concern me even more since they're being used on already damaged skin. Makes you wonder how many skincare products go into use with contaminants like these that no one ever bothers to test for. Let's hope this whole recall prompts the FDA to look into stricter testing regulations for cosmetics.
Topic starter
August 1, 2021 10:38 am
I wonder that too Delaney. Why are these mistakes made? Is the FDA looking close enough at these products?
August 2, 2021 12:20 pm
@deborahwatersiectskin-com They should be buying safe ingredients of course, but sadly I feel like a lot of companies fall victim to trying to find the cheapest way of doing things. A lot of times when I'm looking up a skin care line that's new to me I always try and read customers reviews. While I know everyone's skin is different and what works for one person may not work for another. The biggest thing I look out for is long time customers that have using the same product and they complain that they changed the way they were making something. This is usually the customer saying that the quality of what they were using has dropped.
August 3, 2021 3:45 pm
it was scary to hear that these sunscreens have such as dangerous chemical in them. when i first heard about the recall i was scared because i use a sunscreen by neutrogena but i later found out it wasn't one of the ones recalled. sunscreen is such an important step in skin care and protecting the skin and i know a lot of people who dont make sure to put it on and this only deters them further.
August 3, 2021 4:56 pm
@delaneyhiggonsiectskin-com yeah that is definitely something i wonder too especially since the FDA doesnt have any strict regulations concerning consmetics
July 26, 2022 9:39 am
Its very scary how people were buying suncreens to protect themselves from the sun damage and they were actually putting themselves in life threatening danger. It's really sad how many people have possibly used it before the recall happened and how many kids had that applied to their body.
July 26, 2022 9:57 am
@jaydensugickiectskin-com I totally agree, its apart of our skincare and we already have enough trouble getting people to regularly use suncreen and now this is going to stop more people from using it.
July 26, 2022 9:59 am
@kaytlynmolinaiectskin-com I think that its one of the scariest parts that It was big name brands this makes me hesitant to use their other product lines since they are all made at the same factory where this happened.
August 11, 2022 10:29 pm
A large majority of the popular label sunscreens have harmful ingredients in them , not only on our skin but the ecosystem as well. Washing into the waters and damaging the wildlife.
August 11, 2022 10:31 pm
I have a friend who has gotten a severe chemical burn from a Nuetrogena suncreen on her face .
August 14, 2022 5:33 pm
its scary to know that something you need for your skin can also be harmful to you and damage your skin. i have never used neutrogena, but after reading this i don't think i ever will.
This post was modified 3 years ago by Keyonna Starks
August 14, 2022 5:37 pm
@kaytlynmolinaiectskin-com reviews are key to find what product is good and what might work for you. without review you really won't know how a product is until you buy it. at least you will have a general idea of what the product will be like beforehand.
August 10, 2023 11:23 am
It's so scary to think sunscreen is supposed to benefit you instead it could potentially do more harm than good, the FDA needs to look more into this issue and update their laws/regulations.
August 10, 2023 11:27 am
@keyonnastarksiectskin-com I agree, Neutrogena will not be a brand that will be on my top purchase list anymore. Who knows what other popular brands have this same issue and the people have no idea. It's important to do your research on products beforehand and stay up to date on recalls, ingredients and more.
August 10, 2023 11:29 am
@deborahwatersiectskin-com I absolutely agree, this is something the FDA should have under control, and should be looking into even more with other brands of skincare.
This post was modified 2 years ago by Sydney Hurdle
May 31, 2024 12:23 pm
@abigailcochraneiectskin-com I've noticed that I tend to get chemical burns as well. I never checked ingredients until I started this school. I had always thought that all sunscreen was generally safe.
May 31, 2024 12:25 pm
I never paid attention to the ingredients in sunscreen until I started this class. I thought sunscreen was safe in general, as one would think. Interesting how the FDA let this slip.
May 31, 2024 12:26 pm
@keyonnastarksiectskin-com Its shocking to see the most common and popular brands have this- definitely won't be using this!
June 3, 2024 1:43 pm
Benzene is something hard to stay away from because it can be found in many things and contaminate things like sunscreens and you don't know which one is and isn't contaminated. Would it be better to get sunscreen from a company homemade or just go with the big companies and pray for the best?
June 3, 2024 1:45 pm
@rebeccamatuskaiectskin-com The FDA has testing on multiple things but that they cant pinpoint how benzene got into only some of the products is alarming. That makes me question the machinery, the workplace environment and maybe even the workers on how this is happening. It's in so many things and we can't stay away from it somehow. Is there any way to possibly know when you have come into contact with benzene?
June 3, 2024 1:48 pm
@keyonnastarksiectskin-com I haven't used Neutrogena in a long time because of hearing all their recalls but I feel that is with a lot of companies, Im not sure which ones are more trustworthy than others especially without the proper testing of the FDA.
