Johnson & Johnson has recalled five of its Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol spray sunscreens after internal testing uncovered the cancer-causing chemical benzene in some samples.
The New Jersey-based company on Wednesday told consumers to immediately stop using the products and discard them.
J&J insisted only low levels of benzene were found, which would not be expected to pose a health risk, but said the company was voluntarily recalling the five sunscreens 'out of an abundance of caution.'
The affected products are Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.
Johnson & Johnson has recalled five of its Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol spray sunscreens after internal testing uncovered the cancer-causing chemical benzene in some samples. Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen (above) is one of the five recalled products
The New Jersey-based company on Wednesday told consumers to immediately stop using the products and discard them. The affected products include Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen (left) and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen (right)
CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen (left) and Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen (right) are also among the affected products
The recall only impacts sunscreen products packaged in aerosol cans, which were distributed nationwide through retailers.
All can sizes and all levels of sun protection factor or SPF are included.
J&J is also notifying distributors and retailers to stop selling the products and arranging for their return.
Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, a substance that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure.
It can be inhaled through the airwaves or the skin.
J&J said benzene is not an ingredient used in its sunscreen products and it is investigating the cause of the contamination.
'Daily exposure to benzene in these aerosol sunscreen products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences,' the company said in a press release announcing the recall.
Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have any concerns, questions or have experienced any problems related to using these products.
The company also said customers can contact its customer care center with any questions and to request a refund and that any adverse reactions from using the products should be reported to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
J&J insisted only low levels of benzene were found, which would not be expected to pose a health risk, but said the company was voluntarily recalling the five sunscreens 'out of an abundance of caution.' Pictured the pharma giant's California office
J&J said it had notified the FDA
