Voluntary Sunscreen Recall: What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet?

This summer is scorching. In my region, we’re seeing more days above 95 degrees coupled with oppressive humidity than I can recall from past years. It’s likely that your area is also facing similar sweltering conditions. (Is anyone else losing sleep over climate change?)

Amid this heat and sunshine, many of us are reaching for sunscreen, diligently applying it on ourselves and our children to shield against sunburn and skin cancer. For the most part, we trust that these products are safe and that taking a moment to apply sunscreen is a responsible choice for our kids’ summer fun.

Neutrogena and Aveeno Sunscreens Recalled

Recently, a recall by two prominent brands challenged that assumption. An independent testing organization discovered dangerous levels of a cancer-causing chemical in several spray sunscreens. Out of “an abundance of caution,” both Neutrogena and Aveeno removed the affected products from store shelves. The recalled items include:

Neutrogena® Beach Defense® aerosol
Neutrogena® Cool Dry Sport aerosol
Aveeno® Protect + Refresh aerosol
Neutrogena® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol
Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer® aerosol

Consumers seeking refunds can fill out this form. Additionally, the testing organization found concerning levels of benzene in other sunscreen samples, which have not been recalled at this time. According to CNN, these include:

Eco Formula Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Advanced After-Sun Gel by Sun Burst
Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 by SunBurnt
Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 by Goodsense
Ultimate Sheer Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 by TopCare
EverydayUV Aero Broad-Spectrum Full-Body Sunscreen Spray, SPF 45 by EltaMD
Kids Max Protect & Play Sunscreen C-Spray SPF 100
UltraMist Deep Tanning Dry Oil Continuous Clear Spray SPF 4
Ultra Sport Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 100

Benzene Levels Detected

The independent testing company identified elevated levels of benzene in the sunscreens. Benzene, an industrial solvent, is commonly found in products like plastics, gasoline, and cigarette smoke but is not typically associated with sunscreen. It shouldn’t be in sunscreen at all. Dr. Lucas Brandt, an expert in dermatology, confirmed, “There is no safe level of benzene in sunscreen products.” He noted that even a trace amount of 0.1 ppm (parts per million) could expose individuals to dangerously high levels of benzene.

Several of the recalled products exceeded this threshold, with some batches containing up to 3.1 times the restricted limit. The testing found that Beach Defense, Invisible Daily, and Ultra Sheer had benzene levels of 2 ppm or higher. The origins of this harmful contaminant in the sunscreens remain unclear.

Potential Health Risks

Benzene is recognized as a carcinogen. The National Cancer Institute states that exposure to benzene raises the risk of leukemia and other blood disorders. The CDC also warns that it can lead to a decrease in white blood cells or anemia.

If you’ve used any of the recalled sunscreens or applied them on your children, there’s no need to panic. Dr. Mia Johnson from the Colorado School of Public Health reassured that using such sunscreen alone likely poses minimal risk. However, the cumulative exposure to benzene in our environment adds up.

Sunscreen Recalls Are Not Uncommon

Sadly, this isn’t the first incident involving sunscreen products being scrutinized for harmful ingredients or ineffective formulations. Previously, brands like Pure and Gentle and Babyganics faced backlash from concerned consumers. In fact, the 15th Annual Guide to Sunscreens released by the Environmental Working Group found that 75% of the products analyzed either failed to provide sufficient sun protection or contained harmful components.

While this news is concerning, it shouldn’t deter you from using sunscreen altogether. “The solution isn’t to give up on sunscreen entirely,” said Dr. Natalia Green, vice president of health science at EWG. “There are still over 200 recreational sunscreens that have received positive reviews.” Dr. Tim Flores from the George Washington School of Medicine suggests sticking to basic creams and lotions that have been tried and tested over the years. He recommends mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which are not absorbed by the skin.

Families can also safeguard themselves from harmful sun exposure by wearing protective clothing, hats, and seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Remember, while this recall serves as an important reminder to stay informed, it doesn’t mean you should stop using sunscreen.

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Summary:

The recent recall of Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens due to harmful levels of benzene raises concerns about the safety of these products. While benzene is a known carcinogen linked to serious health risks, experts suggest that occasional use may not pose significant danger. However, it’s crucial for consumers to stay informed about product recalls and choose sunscreens carefully. Mineral-based options and protective clothing can help ensure safety during sun exposure.