What are the recalled sunscreen? Specifically, the recalled products are 6-ounce Banana Boat Hair and Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 with lot codes 20016AF (expiration date December 2022), 20084BF (expiration date February 2023), and 21139AF (expiration date April 2024).
Unfortunately, batches of aerosol sunscreens from Aveeno, Neutrogena and Coppertone were voluntarily recalled in 2021 by manufacturers for having too-high levels of this dangerous chemical, which can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin or ingested orally.
SHELTON, Conn. — Edgewell Personal Care Company, the company behind Banana Boat sunscreen, issued a voluntary, nationwide recall Friday for the brand's Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30. An internal review found "trace levels of benzene" in three batches of the product, the company said in a release.
Johnson & Johnson announced a voluntary recall of five Aveeno and Neutrogena aerosol sunscreen products after internal testing found low levels of benzene in some product samples. People are regularly exposed to benzene via air pollution, cigarette smoke, and certain products, such as glue and paint.
Mineral-based sunscreens considered safest
For now, if you are concerned about health effects, the safest choice is a so-called “mineral” or “physical” sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, dermatologists say.
The following are the Coppertone sunscreen products the company decided to recall: Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50, 5oz (Lot# TN00CJ4 and Lot# TN00BR2) Coppertone Pure & Simple Kids SPF 50, 5oz (Lot# TN00857, Lot# TN00CJV, Lot# TN00854, and Lot# TN00855)
For example, the Aveeno and Neutrogena sunscreens had benzene levels ranging from 11.2 to 23.6 ppm, five to 12 times the level advised by the FDA.
The benzene in indoor air comes from products that contain benzene such as glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents.
Badger Balm, Blue Lizard, All Good, California Baby, Annmarie SkinCare, Babo Botanicals, and Poofy Organics are only a few examples of brands that offer non-toxic sunscreen options with clean, safe, and organic ingredients.
The company has identified the presence of benzene in 12 lots of these products. The recall involves Pure & Simple SPF 50, Pure & Simple Kinds SPF 50, Pure & Simply Baby SPF 50, Sport Mineral SPF 50, travel-size Coppertone and Sport Spray SPF 50.
The affected Johnson & Johnson products, packaged in aerosol cans, 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.
Unfortunately, chemical sunscreens like Neutrogena could be doing just as much harm with all their toxic ingredients that are easily absorbed into our bloodstream. Neutrogena sunscreens pose health risks to humans and are harmful to our coral reefs.
Researchers say that any detectable levels of benzene in sunscreen up to 2 parts per million should be cause for concern. Initial reports from the 2021 sunscreen recall show benzene concentrations in some recalled products were higher than 6 parts per million.
Numerous scientific organizations and government agencies have classified benzene (the chemical found in certain Aveeno suncreens and other sunscreen products) as a carcinogen, meaning that it can cause cancer. These entities include: Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone use sunscreen that offers the following: Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays) SPF 30 or higher. Water resistance.
NEUTROGENA® Ultra Sheer® aerosol sunscreen.