The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) is alerting the public that Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (JJCI) is voluntarily recalling its NEUTROGENA® and AVEENO® aerosol sunscreen product lines as company testing identified low levels of benzene in some samples of the products. Consumers should stop using the affected products and discard or return them.
Below is a list of the recalled products:
- NEUTROGENA® Beach Defense® aerosol sunscreen,
- NEUTROGENA® Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen,
- NEUTROGENA® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol sunscreen,
- NEUTROGENA® Ultra Sheer® aerosol sunscreen, and
- AVEENO® Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen.
The recalled sunscreens are packaged in aerosol cans and were distributed nationwide through a variety of retailers. Three of the affected sunscreens contain oxybenzone and/or octinoxate, ingredients banned from sale or distribution in Hawai‘i under Section 11-342D-21, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that went into effect in January 2021.
Benzene, the chemical found in the affected sunscreens, is common in the environment including in motor vehicle exhaust and cigarette smoke, and is known to cause cancer in humans. Benzene is not an ingredient in sunscreen products and the levels of benzene found in the recalled products was low. Based on current information, daily exposure to benzene in these sunscreen products would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences. However, these products are being recalled to prevent further exposure. JJCI is investigating the possible cause of contamination that led to the presence of benzene in their products.
DOH wants to remind the public that they should continue to wear sunscreen as it is critical to public health and the prevention of skin cancer. People should continue to take appropriate sun protection measures including using reef safe sunscreens, covering skin with clothing and hats, and avoiding the sun during peak hours.
Consumers may contact the JJCI Consumer Care Center by phone at 800-458-1673 with questions or to request a refund. JJCI is also notifying its distributors and retailers by letter and is arranging for returns of all recalled products.
Consumers should contact their healthcare provider if they have any questions, concerns or have experienced any problems related to using these aerosol sunscreen products.