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Sunscreen Recall: Johnson & Johnson Issues Benzene Cancer Warning

Riddle Brantley LLP   |  July 15, 2021   |  

Neutrogena and Aveeno Sunscreen Recall Announced Due to Cancer Risk

Johnson & Johnson has issued a voluntary recall of certain sunscreens due to benzene contamination and potential cancer risk. The company announced that it was recalling five sunscreen lines marketed under the Neutrogena and Aveeno brand names.

The company said that these sunscreens contain a dangerous chemical that could potentially cause cancer. Johnson & Johnson urges those with specific Neutrogena and Aveeno brand aerosol sunscreens to “stop using the affected products” immediately. See a complete list of sunscreens covered by the recall below.

Consumers may contact Johnson & Johnson for more information or to request a refund. To report any injury potentially due to use of the recalled sunscreens, consumers are encouraged to file an Adverse Event report with the FDA.

AUGUST 2023 UPDATE: Please note that as of August 2023, we can no longer accept cases involving benzene contamination due to developments in the litigation. Please stay tuned to our website for more information as this litigation evolves.

“What is the Risk of Benzene in Sunscreen?”

Johnson & Johnson has issued a recall of several sunscreens due to potential cancer risk caused by benzene.The recall is based on newly published test results that found that many popular sunscreens contain benzene, a chemical known to cause cancer. Our firm is actively investigating these claims and we are prepared to file benzene sunscreen lawsuits if individuals were diagnosed with cancer as a result of using benzene-containing sunscreens.

In a statement concerning the sunscreen recall, Johnson & Johnson said that benzene “could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure.”

Cancers potentially caused by benzene in sunscreen include blood cancers such as leukemia, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, among others.

How Did Cancer-Causing Benzene End Up in Sunscreen?

Benzene is a known carcinogen, meaning that is can cause cancer. In a statement, Johnson & Johnson said that the presence of benzene in certain sunscreen products was unintentional. “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 company said. “We are investigating the cause of this issue, which is limited to certain aerosol sunscreen products.”

What Sunscreen Brands Have Been Recalled?

After discovering low levels of benzene in certain sunscreen products, Johnson & Johnson has issued a sunscreen recall of the following products:

  • Neutrogena Beach Defense
  • Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport
  • Neutrogena Invisible Daily
  • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
  • Aveeno Protect + Refresh

All of the products included in the July 2021 sunscreen recall are aerosol sprays.

Other Sunscreens May Pose Cancer Risks

Brands Included in the Sunscreen Recall by Johnson & Johnson include Neutrogena and AveenoHowever, the Johnson & Johnson sunscreens included in this recall are not the only ones that could potentially increase the risk of cancer. Many brands of sunscreen contain benzene, according to testing by the independent lab Valisure.

“What Does the Recall Mean for Sunscreen Lawsuits?”

AUGUST 2023 UPDATE: Please note that as of August 2023, we can no longer accept cases involving benzene contamination due to developments in the litigation. Please stay tuned to our website for more information as this litigation evolves.

“This sunscreen recall is a potentially significant development in our efforts to hold manufacturers accountable for cancer risk potentially caused by benzene in sunscreens.”

Gene Riddle, benzene sunscreen lawsuit attorney

Benzene Lawsuit Criteria

Those affected by the Johnson & Johnson sunscreen recall may be entitled to compensation in a potential sunscreen lawsuit.

AUGUST 2023 UPDATE: Please note that as of August 2023, we can no longer accept cases involving benzene contamination due to developments in the litigation. Please stay tuned to our website for more information as this litigation evolves.

You may be eligible for a benzene sunscreen lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:

  • Must have used a qualifying sunscreen or after-sun care product, including:
    • Aveeno Protect & Refresh Spray
    • Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Weightless, SPF 100+
    • Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Weightless, SPF 70
    • Sun Bum Cool Down Gel
    • Neutrogena Beach Defense Oil-Free Body Spray, SPF 100
    • CVS Health After-Sun Aloe Vera Soothing Spray
    • Neutrogena Beach Defense Body Spray, SPF 50
    • Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Body Sunscreen Broad Spectrum, SPF 60+
    • Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel
  • Must have used the qualifying sunscreen or after-sun care product regularly (at least a full year, 3-4 times per week)
  • Must have been diagnosed with one of the following conditions:
    • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
    • Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
    • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
    • Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
    • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
    • Multiple Myeloma
    • Aplastic Anemia

Don’t wait — the longer you wait to request a free consultation, the harder it may be to prove your case. If you’ve used one of the sunscreens listed above and been diagnosed with a qualifying cancer, call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE, no-obligation consultation with a product liability lawyer to see if you qualify for a benzene sunscreen lawsuit.

There are no upfront costs and we don’t get paid unless you do. If we aren’t successful in getting you compensation, you won’t pay any attorney fees. That’s our promise to you.

Call 1-800-525-7111 and let’s review your sunscreen cancer claim. You may be entitled to compensation and you deserve justice.

“I would recommend them to anyone. They fought hard for me.”

Christine W., Riddle & Brantley client

Since 1985, we’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our deserving clients, and we’d love to help you if we can. Call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s review your claim.

Justice Counts.

 


*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.