RECALL: Popular sunscreen product found to contain benzene chemical traces

A popular sunscreen product is being pulled from shelves and is currently being recalled after small traces of the chemical benzene have been found in some of the products.

Parent company, Johnson & Johnson Pacific Pty Ltd is recalling all batches of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+ (aerosol sunscreen) because benzene has been detected in some batches supplied in Australia.

Neutrogena released an official statement , “Out of an abundance of caution we are recalling all batches of this specific aerosol sunscreen product. Internal testing identified low levels of benzene in a small number of samples. Exposure to benzene in this sunscreen product at the levels detected would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.”

ULTRASHEER

All batches with an expiry date of 30th August 2023 or earlier should not be used due to possible health risks linked to benzene. If you have any of the product, you are being advised to discard the products and visit the www.neutrogena.com.au website to request a refund.

What is bezene and what are the risks? The TGA states, “Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, a substance that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure. It is not an ingredient in this product but is sometimes used in medicine manufacturing processes.”

The company is assuring us, the rest of the Neutrogena sun care portfolio – including lotions, sticks and pump face mist sunscreens is not impacted and continues to be available to consumers.

30 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 17 May 2024
    10:55 am
I had that one and took it back for a full refund

- - ashna9 said
  - 03 Sep 2021
    9:36 pm
Thank you for the information and the heads up.

- - snazzy007 said
  - 26 Aug 2021
    11:54 am
Need to be so wary and look at ingredients

- - tessie said
  - 13 Aug 2021
    12:16 pm
I wonder how many people tried to put in a claim but never actually bought the product. Hopefully no harm has been done to the people who have been using it.

- - mom474510 said
  - 09 Aug 2021
    8:40 pm
I contacted them as I had been using this product since last year I have filled out the online recall form.

- - nadine_hill said
  - 05 Aug 2021
    9:32 am
Thanks for the warning!

- - ashblonde said
  - 04 Aug 2021
    4:12 pm
I had to go & check my bathroom cabinet as I knew I had a mist spray bottle, fortunately not this brand. I’m sure J & J will rectify this problem but pleased I haven’t risked any of my grandchildren’s delicate skin over the warmer months when hopping into our pool.

- - rovermum said
  - 04 Aug 2021
    9:49 am
Whilst I do use Neutrogena sun care products, I do not use this one. Phew!

- - Mom7534689 said
  - 04 Aug 2021
    7:19 am
Johnson’s don’t have much luck do they

- - HelenP5 said
  - 03 Aug 2021
    4:59 pm
Bit scary…so glad I don’t use this sunscreen.

- - mum300445 said
  - 03 Aug 2021
    4:43 pm
Oh my goodness. Sounds terrible. Feeling relieved I didn’t buy this suncream but makes me worry if it’s in other products and we just don’t know.

- - mom468034 said
  - 03 Aug 2021
    2:55 pm
Scary…benzenes are bad news. More worrying that it has taken this long for the info to come out. Black mark against Johnson and Johnson… will be avoiding their brands in future.

- - Umbrellas2760 said
  - 03 Aug 2021
    1:18 pm
oh wow scary stuff

- - sars_angelchik said
  - 03 Aug 2021
    9:38 am
That’s a bit scary! Hopefully it is as they say and levels are too low to cause any damage.

- - Ellen said
  - 03 Aug 2021
    3:54 am
Scary Stuff !! Sad this is found in Neutrogena, I thought it was a good brand 🙁 I love particularly their hand cream for chaps. Might have to find something more natural.

- - mom265671 said
  - 03 Aug 2021
    12:06 am
It’s worrying how many umbrella brands Johnson’s and Johnson’s have. This news was posted in America WEEKS ago and we’re only hearing about it now in austraLia

- - mom213615 said
  - 02 Aug 2021
    11:25 pm
I’m allergic to benzene and it’s included in some lip balms,cough mixture ,eye drops,nasal spray

- - Mumofboys said
  - 02 Aug 2021
    11:17 pm
This brand is constantly having stuff recalled! I am staying clear of anything that comes from them
- Ellen replied
  
  03 Aug 2021 , 4:11 am
  I was still using their hand cream for chaps, but feel I have to discontinue that too
- - mom466087 said
  - 02 Aug 2021
    10:30 pm
Thank you for the heads up!

- - Frankiielot said
  - 02 Aug 2021
    10:22 pm
I use face sunscreen from Neutrogena everyday so I’m hoping they’re right about it not being in any of their other products!
I actually really love the Neutrogena brand as their products work really well with my skin type so this is disappointing.