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What You Should Know About the Neutrogena Sunscreen Recall
It’s possible that some Neutrogena aerosol sunscreen products aren’t being sold at some shops in the United States. The company has decided to recall all batches of the four Neutrogena aerosol sunscreen products as tests conducted internally revealed the presence of benzene at low levels in certain samples of these products.
What Neutrogena Products Were Voluntarily Recalled?
The Neutrogena sunscreens that are affected are aerosols, specifically:
- Neutrogena Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen;
- Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen;
- Neutrogena Invisible Daily defense aerosol sunscreen and
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreen.
What’s Benzene?
Benzine is known as a human carcinogen. It is a substance capable of causing cancer based on the amount and frequency of exposure. Benzene is a common ingredient throughout the world. Humans worldwide are exposed to regular exposure to various sources, both outdoors and indoors. The Benzene compound can be absorbed in varying amounts, through inhalation, skin, or through oral.
Exposure to benzene for a long time in these sunscreen products at levels that are in line with tests conducted internally is not likely to have adverse health effects.
In the name of caution, Neutrogena recalls the entire range of specific sunscreen aerosols. But this does not include Neutrogena face wash products, although we recommend several other cruelty-free face wash alternatives in another post.
Loving this article? Make sure to check out our other post about cruelty-free Moroccan oil before you go!
The products were available across the country through a variety of retail outlets. To see a complete list of items affected through this recall, which is voluntary and affects particular aerosol sunscreens visit this link.
Reef-Friendly, Cruelty-Free Neutrogena Aerosol Sunscreen Alternative
Check Amazon for pricing on Pacifica Beauty, Sea & C Mineral Combo Sunscreen. It’s SPF 30 and includes Vitamin C and marine extracts. This sunscreen offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It’s also non-aerosol and water resistant.
Here are some of the other benefits you can expect:
- Innovative formula designed to apply sheer with integrated mineral protection
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- Suitable for all skin types
- Rapid-absorbing, streak-free formula
- Designed for even application, finish sheer and deliver skin hydration
Most importantly, this is a reef-friendly and cruelty-free sunscreen option. If you’re looking for a sunscreen that protects without harming animals, we recommend trying this as an alternative to Neutrogena.
Consumer Guide
Consumers are advised to discontinue using Neutrogena aerosols and dispose of these Neutrogena products. Follow your local procedure for the disposal of aerosols. You can find the information you need by contacting the local waste management service.
If you have any questions regarding this recall, refer to the Neutrogena FAQ or contact us at our Consumer Care Center with questions regarding the recall at 1-800-458-1673.
Consumers should consult their physician or healthcare professional should they have any concerns, or questions or have encountered any issues associated with using the aerosol sunscreens. Any adverse reactions or quality issues encountered with the product could be reported to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program via the internet, regular mail, or fax.
- Fill out and send the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
- Regular Mail or Fax: Download this form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or contact 1-800-332-1088 to ask for a reporting form. Once you do that, complete and return the form to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit it via fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.
FAQs
Do you have the list of recalled Neutrogena products?
To see a complete list of the kinds affected through this recall voluntary of certain aerosol sunscreens, visit this link.
Does this recall affect Neutrogena sunscreen lotions, sticks, or facial mists?
No. All Neutrogena lotions, sticks, face mist sunblocks, and sunless tanning products are not affected by this voluntary recall. Neutrogena Wet skin aerosol sunscreens are also not included in the recall.
Do I need to be concerned?
Neutrogena initiated this recall voluntarily as a sense of precaution. The Neutrogena medical safety staff worked with outside experts to conduct an assessment of the health and safety of these aerosol sunscreens. The exposure to benzene that is commonplace in these sunscreen aerosols at the levels identified in our tests could not likely cause health problems.
What can I do to get my money back?
The sunscreen refunds program is no longer offered. If you have any questions, contact Neutrogena by email or call them at 1-800-458-1673.
Is Sunscreen Still Important?
Sunscreen usage is essential to the health of our population. Melanoma rates continue to rise all over the world, and the majority of cases result from excessive exposure to the sun. All people must use appropriate measures to protect themselves from sun damage, including applying other sunscreens.