Benzene is a chemical found in nature and manufactured products. It’s highly toxic to humans if swallowed, touched or inhaled. In May, an independent pharmaceutical testing company Valisure found 78 lots of sunscreens containing benzene. Benzene is a carcinogen that has been linked to blood cancer among other types of illnesses. Of the 78 batches with detectable levels, 51 percent of the products were found to have “significantly detected” levels of benzene. On July 14, Johnson and Johnson announced a voluntarily recalling of select products containing benzene Aveeno and Neutrogena are among those recalled.

Source: Valisure Report

Benzene-induced cancer in humans was first reported in the late 1920s. Why then are we learning that benzene is used in popular sunscreen products 100 years later? The question is one that needs to be answered. To prevent this from happening in the future, companies utilizing products containing benzene need to be held accountable. Did the companies know beforehand and withhold information from the public, or are the companies incompetent for not thoroughly testing their products before selling them? 

Have you used any of the listed products containing benzene? 

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