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Johnson & Johnson Recall Neutrogena & Aveeno Sunscreens Because Of Cancer-Causing Substances
Five of the brand’s aerosol sunscreens tested contain benzene, a known carcinogen.
Johnson & Johnson just recalled five of its aerosol sunscreen products after low levels of benzene were found in samples used for internal testing. Benzene is a known carcinogen that can cause cancer high or prolonged exposure.
[SEE ALSO: Gorilla Glue Debacle Speaks To Larger Issue Of Toxic Beauty & Black Hair Culture]
The nationwide recall includes the following five products: AVEENO Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen and four NEUTROGENA sunscreens: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily defense aerosol sunscreen, and Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreen.
“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,” the brand shared in a statement. “We are investigating the cause of this issue, which is limited to certain aerosol sunscreen products.”
If you have purchased any of the sunscreens, stop use immediately and discard them. For questions or to request a refund, call 1.800.458.1673.
The recall follows a long line of toxicity and health concerns regarding Johnson & Johnson products.
Just days ago, its haircare line OGX was hit with a class-action lawsuit alleging that the brand causes hair loss and scalp damage. OGX products are formulated with DMDM Hydantoin, which works as a preservative by slowly releasing formaldehyde — a known carcinogen. Johnson & Johnson stopped using DMDM in their products in 2015. However, it did not extend the same restrictions to OGX when it acquired the company in 2016.
“Accordingly, Johnson & Johnson misled and deceived the public, and placed its customers in harm’s way, all for the sake of increased profits,” the lawsuit argues.
And, over the past five years, Johnson & Johnson has been hit with thousands of lawsuits from customers who used the brand’s iconic talcum-based baby powder. Talcum powder contains trace amounts of asbestos, which is also a known carcinogen. Johnson stopped distributing the talc-based powder last year in the U.S., but continues to sell it in other parts of the world.
