The list of popular sunscreens recalled over the detection of potentially cancer-causing chemical benzene continues to grow.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration  has updated its recall, calling on anyone with the affected products to return them to place of purchase or request a refund.

“Other products may be added to the table in the next few weeks as the TGA investigations continue,” the TGA outlined in a statement. “We will update this information if additional products are identified and recall actions start. If you have any concerns or questions about benzene and use of sunscreens, please speak to your health professional.”

Recalled Sunscreen

The recalled sunscreen products are:

• 2XP SPF50+ Bronze Protect Sunscreen Lotion (70mL), batch number 1102889
• Cancer Council Sensitive Sunscreen SPF50+ 110mL (Tube), batch number 1103178.
• Cancer Council Sensitive Sunscreen SPF50+ 200mL (Pump), batch number 1099751.
• NIVEA Sun Protect & Moisture SPF30 Lotion 200ml, batch number 12640440-BN.
• NIVEA Sun Protect & Moisture SPF50+ Roll On 65ml, batch number 12669940BN.
• SPF 50+ Lotion Spray Coconut Beach 200ml, batch numbers 104263, 1104743 and 1104264.
• Baby Bum Mineral SPF50+ Lotion 88mL, batch numbers N1118B and N1118C.

Only the batches above are being recalled.

It follows the recall of other sunscreens late last year for the same issue.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) says Edgewell Personal Care Australia Pty Ltd is recalling all batches of the following ‘Banana Boat’ sunscreen sprays (aerosol sunscreen) because benzene has been detected in four batches of the products supplied in Australia.

The three products being recalled are:

• Banana Boat Ultra Very High Protection Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+, AUST L 206508
• Banana Boat Simply Protect Kids Very High Protection Sunscreen Lotion Spray SPF 50+, AUST L 311003
• Banana Boat Dry Balance Very High Protection Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+, AUST L 342636.

In a statement on its website Banana Boat explained that after consulting with the TGA, and ‘out of an abundance of caution’, the recall was enacted.

“Product testing identified unexpected levels of benzene in some batches of these aerosol sunscreens. Exposure to benzene in these sunscreen products at the levels detected would not be expected to cause adverse health effects.

“The rest of the Banana Boat sun care portfolio – including lotion and roll-on sunscreens and other aerosol sunscreens are not impacted and continue to be available to consumers.”

What happens if I have Banana Boat Sunscreen?

The TGA is advising that all batches with an expiry date of 31st January 2024 or earlier should not be used due to possible health risks linked to benzene.

Head to Banana Boat to request a refund then discard the products. All unsold product of the affected batches will be removed from the market.

What are the risks of benzene?

According to the TGA, benzene is classified as a human carcinogen – a substance that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure.

“Benzene is not an ingredient in sunscreens but is suspected to be a contaminant from raw materials used in the product manufacture,” the recall notice explained. “The TGA is working with sponsors to investigate the source of benzene.

“The levels of benzene must be below 2 parts per million (ppm) in sunscreen products that are regulated as listed medicines in Australia. We use a very conservative approach to set limits for benzene and similar chemicals. They are calculated to ensure that an individuals’ excess cancer risk would not exceed 1 in 100,000 if that individual used the maximum recommended amount of the product every day of the year for 70 years.

“The TGA laboratories recently completed product testing, which detected benzene at concentrations between 2.3 ppm and 5.2 ppm in four batches of the above products supplied in Australia. Exposure to benzene in these sunscreen products, at the levels detected, would not be expected to cause serious adverse health effects. However, to reduce the risk to consumers, Edgewell Personal Care is recalling all batches of the affected products supplied within Australia.”