As summer heats up, many of us are reaching for sunscreen more than ever, especially with temperatures soaring above 95 degrees and humidity levels rising. It’s essential to protect our skin from sunburns and the risk of skin cancer by applying sunscreen to ourselves and our children. We typically trust that the products we use are safe, believing we’re making a responsible choice for our family’s health.
Recent Recall of Neutrogena and Aveeno Products
However, a recent recall by Neutrogena and Aveeno has prompted us to reconsider that assumption. An independent testing lab discovered concerning levels of benzene, a hazardous chemical linked to cancer, in several spray sunscreen products. Out of caution, Neutrogena and Aveeno decided to remove the affected items from shelves, which include:
- Neutrogena® Beach Defense® aerosol
- Neutrogena® Cool Dry Sport aerosol
- Aveeno® Protect + Refresh aerosol
- Neutrogena® Invisible Daily™ defense aerosol
- Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer® aerosol
If you’ve purchased any of these products, you can seek a refund through their designated form.
While other sunscreens were found to have elevated benzene levels, they have not yet been recalled. Some of these include Eco Formula Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 and Ultimate Sheer Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 by TopCare.
What You Should Know About Benzene
Benzene is an industrial solvent typically found in products like plastics, gasoline, and even cigarette smoke, but it should not be present in sunscreen. According to Dr. Lisa Monroe, a dermatologist at the State University, there is no safe level of benzene for sunscreen. Even trace amounts can pose a significant risk. The testing indicated that some recalled products contained benzene levels exceeding 2 ppm, which is alarmingly high.
Health Risks of Benzene Exposure
Benzene is classified as a carcinogen and has been associated with an increased risk of leukemia and other blood disorders, as noted by the National Cancer Institute. However, if you’ve used these recalled sunscreens, there’s no immediate cause for alarm. Dr. Michael Roberts from the Colorado School of Public Health reassured that occasional use is unlikely to pose a significant risk by itself. But do be aware of cumulative exposure, as benzene is present in the environment.
Sunscreen Recalls Are Not Uncommon
This is not the first time sunscreen has faced scrutiny. Previous recalls have involved products with harmful ingredients or those that failed to provide adequate sun protection. The Environmental Working Group recently reported that 75% of the sunscreens they analyzed were ineffective or contained harmful substances.
Despite these alarming findings, experts urge consumers not to abandon sunscreen altogether. “There are still plenty of safe options available,” says Dr. Sarah Collins, a leading expert in dermatology. She recommends sticking to mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are safer alternatives. Additionally, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade during peak sun hours is advisable.
This recent recall serves as a reminder to stay informed about the products we use. For more insights on home health topics, be sure to check out our other articles, such as this one on home insemination.
Search Queries:
- Best Sunscreens for Summer
- Sunscreen Safety Tips
- How to Choose the Right Sunscreen
- Understanding Sunscreen Ingredients
- What to Do About a Sunscreen Recall
In summary, while the recent sunscreen recall raises significant concerns, it’s important not to panic. Instead, stay informed about your options and continue to protect your skin using safe alternatives.