Sunscreen recall: is your sunscreen safe for your health?

We have been taught to lather our bodies with sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but what if you’re using a product that does more harm than good? While sunscreen recalls aren’t something that happens every day, it’s important that you don’t use contaminated or ineffective formulas. When sunscreen is recalled, it is typically pulled from the shelves, broadcasted on the news or shared on social media so that people can discontinue use immediately.

Health and beauty products can be recalled for a variety of reasons, but the most common reasons are mislabelling, contamination, undeclared ingredients, or the overall safety is compromised. Some recalls are more extensive than others due to the impact they may have. For example, if it’s sold by a large retailer, there’s a chance it was purchased by more people, so these recalls will likely make headlines. However, if there is a recall of a product sold by a smaller company with fewer customers, the recall is promoted less.

In the last few years, there have been several sunscreen recalls to hit the news.

What sunscreens have been recalled?

If you’re a fan of sunscreen creams and lotions, you’ve likely avoided the use of any recalled products — it’s the sunscreens in aerosol cans that can be problematic.

In 2021, the brand Aveeno voluntarily recalled its Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen as internal testing showed that it contained levels of benzene. Though these levels were considered relatively low, the company did not want to compromise the health and safety of the people who use its products. Aveeno’s internal testing did show that the amount of benzene found in the Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen was not enough to cause adverse health effects.

Another well-known brand, Johnson & Johnson Inc., also issued a voluntary recall statement in 2021. The Neutrogena Beach Defense and Ultra Sheer sunscreens for children and adults contained elevated levels of benzene in the aerosol cans. The company urged customers with the sunscreens to discontinue use and dispose of the products.

Banana Boat, another popular sunscreen brand, recalled its Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray with SPF 30 in 2023 due to elevated levels of benzene. While the benzene was not found in the formula itself, it was contained in the propellant that pushes the sunscreen out of the can.

Spray sunscreens are recalled more than lotions, and there seems to be a recall that makes headlines every year or so.

The dangers of benzene

With all of the recalls mentioned above, they have one thing in common: benzene. This chemical has been linked to a certain type of leukemia, which is why it has been determined a carcinogen. In addition to potentially causing cancer, benzene may also harm one’s reproductive health. Some studies have shown that the exposure to high levels of benzene could be associated with miscarriages, decreased ovary size, and other menstrual abnormalities.

No amount of benzene is considered “safe” and the best sunscreen options are most definitely free of the cancer-causing chemical. However, products containing concentrations of benzene less than 2-ppm are low risk.

In May of 2021, Valisure tested sunscreens from several of the most popular brands, and research showed that 78 of the sunscreen and after-sun products contained unsafe levels of benzene. Because of this, Valisure is asking that these products be recalled and that the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) better define the limits for benzene in health and beauty products. Along with pushing for change in the sunscreen realm, Valisure has also been concerned with dry shampoos containing the carcinogen. After vigorous batch testing, Valisure found benzene in 70% of the dry shampoo samples — yikes! Washing your hair more frequently or learning how to style slightly oily hair could end up protecting your health.

Safe sunscreen options

Valisure found that many aerosol sunscreens contain extremely high levels of benzene, much higher than the allowed amount.

Propellants (liquid gasses) are used to push sunscreen out from the aerosol can and often, these gasses contain benzene. The benzene found in the gasses can then contaminate the product held within the aerosol can. So, If you’re really trying to be safe, avoid using any sort of beauty product or cosmetic stored in an aerosol can.

Thankfully, there are sunscreens on the market that are free of carcinogens and will keep you from turning tomato-red after a day in the sun.

The Think Dirty App has a specific category sharing information on past and current recalled sunscreens. Additionally, people can use the app to find clean alternatives for sunscreens.

If you have sensitive skin, opting for a mineral formula that is at least SPF 30 will keep your skin safe in the sun. It’s also a great idea to find a sunscreen that contains ingredients that will address your skin concerns.

For example, folks with dry skin should find a product that contains hyaluronic acid and those with dull skin should look for a sunscreen with vitamin C or azelaic acid. Finding a sunscreen that you love will ensure you apply it on a daily basis, keeping your skin protected and looking youthful.

Disclosure: We are a professional review and product rating website and mobile app that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review and rate. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own interpretations of a trusted source.