Several sunscreen and personal care product manufacturers have been sued after testing revealed that dozens of products contained elevated levels of cancer-causing benzene. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still can't pinpoint exactly how the products became contaminated.
In 2021, Valisure, a quality assurance company, tested 294 different sunscreen and after-sun care products and found that 78 contained benzene, a known carcinogen. The chemical was primarily found in spray or aerosol products.
The results of Valisure's testing led to a recall of several Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol sunscreens made by Johnson & Johnson, as well as a few Coppertone and Banana Boat products.
Some recalled sunscreens had benzene at levels five to 12 times higher than the FDA's 2 parts per million limit for consumer products.
Valisure's 2021 tests also found benzene in some hand sanitizers, antifungal treatments, shampoos, conditioners, antiperspirants, and deodorants.
Consumers take the issue to court
Soon after the Neutrogena and Aveeno recalls occurred, consumers filed a slew of lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. Some plaintiffs claimed the recalled sun protection products caused their children to develop leukemia.
For example, one wrongful death lawsuit filed in North Carolina in 2023 alleged that a 14-year-old boy died from acute myeloid leukemia after prolonged exposure to Johnson & Johnson's benzene-contaminated sunscreen.
The company reached a settlement agreement with the boy's father in early August.
Still, Johnson & Johnson isn't the only sunscreen manufacturer under fire for benzene-tainted products. In 2021, Coppertone, a sunscreen brand owned by Beiersdorf, voluntarily recalled 12 sun-protection products due to benzene contamination. Soon after the recall, a class action lawsuit was filed alleging the company failed to properly test its products for the chemical's presence, putting consumers at risk.
In September 2022, Coppertone settled the case and agreed to create a $2.3 million settlement fund for individuals impacted by the benzene-contaminated products.
In that same year, Edgewell Personal Care Company recalled several lots of its Banana Boat Hair & Scalp sunscreen spray due to unexpected benzene in propellants used in the products.
However, Valisure's tests found high levels of benzene in other Banana Boat sunscreens. The recall and test results triggered several lawsuits claiming the products caused various types of blood cancers.
How did sunscreen become contaminated with benzene?
Manufacturers don't usually add benzene to their drug products, so it's unclear how the chemical ended up in many commonly used items, particularly aerosol products.
The FDA conducted an investigation and hypothesized that high levels of benzene found in aerosol products may be related to certain ingredients in these formulations.
Specifically, thickening agents called carbomers, and isobutane, a propellant that helps expel the product from the container. Other ingredients made from hydrocarbons may also be a culprit.
The Agency also said that when sodium benzoate, an antifungal preservative, is combined with antioxidants, it can produce benzene under certain conditions.
Is benzene still found in personal care products?
Earlier this year, Valisure testing revealed elevated benzene levels in several benzoyl peroxide-based acne treatments sold over the counter, including Clearasil, Proactiv, Clinique, and Target brand products. Test results showed that some treatments had benzene levels 800 times the FDA limit.
Valisure said benzoyl peroxide is unstable and can degrade into benzene.
Based on the test results, the quality assurance company petitioned the FDA to issue a voluntary recall of these products. To date, no benzoyl peroxide-related recalls have occurred.
Since investigations into benzene-contaminated products are ongoing, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests that people concerned about potential exposure should avoid using spray sunscreen and other aerosol cosmetics.
The EWG adds that people can consider using acne products that contain salicylic acid or adapalene to avoid potential benzene exposure related to benzoyl peroxide treatments.
Until FDA officials know more about the source of benzene contamination, they are advising drug manufacturers to test their products periodically and contact the Agency if testing reveals benzene levels above 2 parts per million.
8 resources
- Valisure. Valisure detects benzene in sunscreen.
- FDA. Frequently asked questions on benzene contamination in drugs.
- American Cancer Society. Benzene and cancer risk.
- FDA. Edgewell Personal Care issues voluntary nationwide recall of Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen due to the presence of benzene – UPDATED.
- FDA. Coppertone® issues voluntary nationwide recall of specific lots of Pure & Simple SPF 50 Spray (2021 Launch), Sport Mineral SPF 50 Spray (2021 Launch), and Travel-Size Coppertone® Sport Spray SPF 50 (1.6OZ) aerosols sunscreen sprays due to the presence of benzene.
- FDA. FDA alerts drug manufacturers to the risk of benzene contamination in certain drugs.
- EWG. Why is cancer-causing benzene widespread in personal care products?
- Valisure. Valisure detects benzene in benzoyl peroxide.
Your email will not be published. All fields are required.