Five Neutrogena and Aveeno spray sunscreen products have been recalled because they may contain small amounts of benzene, Johnson & Johnson announced Wednesday.

Benzene is a human carcinogen and can get into the body through the skin, through the mouth and by inhalation, the company said in a statement.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are recalling all lots of these specific aerosol [spray] sunscreen products,” the company said. “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 it was still investigating how traces of benzene were discovered in the sunscreens.

Based on exposure modeling and Environmental Protection Agency guidance, Johnson & Johnson added that it determined that “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.”

Benzene, which causes cells in the body to malfunction, can cause anemia or loss of white blood cells, according to the CDC.

Long-term exposure, defined as a year or more, to significant amounts of benzene can cause leukemia or excessive bleeding, the agency added.

The recalled sunscreens were distributed across the United States and include: Neutrogena Beach Defense; Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport; Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense; Neutrogena Ultra Sheer; and Aveeno Protect + Refresh.

Consumers should stop using the recalled products and contact their health care provider if they have questions or concerns, or have experienced any problems related to the use of the products, Johnson & Johnson said.

For more information or to request a refund, consumers can call the company at 1-800-458-1673.

More information

Visit Johnson & Johnson for more information on the recall.

SOURCE: Johnson & Johnson, news release, July 14, 2021

Source: HealthDay