Neutrogena Beach Defense and Ultra Sheer aerosol spray sunscreens recalled due to elevated benzene levels

OTTAWA, ON, July 17, 2021 /CNW/ -

Summary

Beach-Defense (CNW Group/Health Canada)

UltraSheer-SPF30 (CNW Group/Health Canada)

UltraSheer-SPF30 (CNW Group/Health Canada)

UltraSheer-SPF45 (CNW Group/Health Canada)

UltraSheer-SPF45 (CNW Group/Health Canada)

UltraSheer-SPF60 (CNW Group/Health Canada)

UltraSheerSpray-SPF60 (CNW Group/Health Canada)

• Product: Neutrogena Beach Defense and Ultra Sheer sunscreens, for adults and children, in aerosol spray format.
• Issue: Johnson & Johnson Inc. is recalling all lots of Beach Defense and Ultra Sheer aerosol spray sunscreens due to elevated levels of benzene, which may pose serious health risks after long-term, repeated use.
• What to do: Stop using the recalled products. Consult a health care professional if you have used any of these products and have health concerns. Continue using other sunscreen as directed on the product label.

Issue
Johnson & Johnson Inc. is recalling all lots of Neutrogena Beach Defense and Ultra Sheer children and adult sunscreens, in aerosol spray format, after testing conducted by the company detected elevated levels of benzene. Frequent and long-term exposure (e.g., through the skin and by inhalation) to elevated levels of benzene may pose serious health risks.

Humans are exposed to benzene in the air (e.g., by inhaling car exhaust, second-hand tobacco smoke and industrial emissions). We can also be exposed by swallowing benzene or absorbing it through the skin (e.g., through contact with contaminated water). Immediate signs of exposure to elevated levels of benzene include drowsiness, dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and headaches. While there is no safe level of benzene, long-term (over a year or more) and repeated exposure to elevated levels of benzene may lead to serious health effects, including various forms of cancer such as leukemia, anemia (low red blood cells), and bone marrow failure.

The potential issue was identified by testing conducted by Valisure (an independent U.S. quality assurance company) that detected elevated levels of benzene in several sunscreen and after-sun products in the U.S., including Johnson & Johnson Inc. products. Health Canada is aware that recalls are taking place in the U.S. for the same reason.

The safety of health products that Canadians rely on is a priority for Health Canada. Of the products tested by Valisure, Health Canada has followed up with companies on the higher-risk products (2 parts per million (ppm) benzene and above) that are also authorized in Canada. Health Canada's assessment is ongoing. This includes determining if sunscreens and other types of products (i.e. after-sun products) sold by other companies may be affected in Canada, and evaluating the issue to identify potential causes and risk mitigation measures.

Health Canada emphasises that it is important that people continue to use sunscreen to protect themselves from sun damage. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause cancer and other skin effects.

Health Canada recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen (one that provides protection from both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays) with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to prevent sunburn and to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Anyone with a known history of severe reactions to sunlight should stay out of the sun as much as possible and always use sunscreen and other sun-protective measures.

If additional products or safety concerns are identified, Health Canada will take appropriate action and inform Canadians.

Affected products

Product Name	DIN	Lot #	Expiration Date
Neutrogena Beach Defense Kids SPF 60 Spray	02420953	05220E01	01/2022
		03020E05	12/2021
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30	02486474	09021E04	02/2023
		01821E01	12/2022
		04721E02	01/2023
		04920E09	01/2022
		28920E12	09/2022
		29819E03	09/2021
		29919E03	09/2021
		33520E13	10/2022
		33620E13	10/2022
		33819E05	11/2021
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30	02301563	33718F05	11/2021
		33818F04	11/2021
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 45	02487942	30119E04	09/2021
		29919E04	09/2021
		35219E06	11/2021
		29420E05	09/2022
		01921E02	12/2022
		35319E06	11/2021
		09221E04	03/2023
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 45	02301571	33218F18	10/2021
		33418F19	10/2021
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 60	02502526	08821E01	02/2023
		08621E01	02/2023
		13121E01	04/2023
		29520E04	09/2022
		29620E04	09/2022
		29620E05	09/2022
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 60	02334542	07720E01	02/2022
		07620E01	02/2022
		35219E03	11/2021
		31819E02	10/2021
		29819E01	09/2021
		29719E01	09/2021
		31719E02	10/2021

What you should do
Health Canada advises consumers, including parents and caregivers to:

• Stop using the recalled products. Consult a health care professional if you have used any of these products and have health concerns.
• Continue using other sunscreen as directed on the product label.
• Contact Johnson & Johnson Inc. by calling, toll-free, 1-800-458-1673, if you have questions about the recall.
• Report any health product-related side effects or complaints to Health Canada.

Health Canada strongly encourages the use of sunscreens to protect against harmful UV radiation and provides general sun safety tips as well as safety tips for parents. 

Image
Neutrogena Beach Defense Kids SPF 60 Spray
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30 (DIN 02486474)
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 30 (DIN 02301563)
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 45 (DIN 02487942)
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 45 (DIN 02301571)
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 60 (DIN 02502526)
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 60 (DIN 02334542)

Également disponible en français

SOURCE Health Canada

Media Enquiries: Health Canada, [phone], [email protected]; Public Enquiries: [phone], 1-866 225-0709, [email protected]