Overview
Sunscreen is a popular way to block the ultraviolet radiation associated with skin damage and protect against cancer. But the evidence is emerging that certain types of sunscreen contain benzene, a toxic chemical that’s a known human carcinogen.
Dozens of sunscreen products recently tested positive for benzene—a chemical also found in gasoline and paint thinners—leading to demands for product recalls and questions about the safety of sunscreen chemicals. These new findings suggest that people who use sunscreen in an effort to avoid skin cancer may actually be increasing their risk of developing other types of cancers. Studies show that consistent exposure to benzene, even at very low levels, is a major risk factor for blood tissue cancers such as leukemia, myeloma, and lymphoma.
If you used a sunscreen containing benzene, and have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be able to file a sunscreen cancer lawsuit. Contact us to find out if you qualify.
FAQs
What is the ingredient/chemical in sunscreen that is causing users to be diagnosed with cancer?
Laboratory testing performed by Valisure found that dozens of sunscreen and after-sun care products contain the industrial chemical benzene.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both classify benzene as “carcinogenic to humans.” The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates sunscreens and considered them drugs, also classifies benzene as a “Class 1 solvent” that should not be used in the manufacture of drug substances and drug products.
Can sunscreen give you cancer?
Sunscreen that contains the chemical benzene could cause cancer. Although no specific studies have been performed on benzene sunscreens and cancer, samples of popular sunscreen brands tested by Valisure detected benzene. Valisure cites Dr. Christopher Bunick, Associate Professor of Dermatology at Yale University, who says that, “There is not a safe level of benzene that can exist in sunscreen products.”
When sunscreen containing benzene is applied to the skin, the body absorbs it and the chemical enters the bloodstream, where it can cause cancer. IARC notes that benzene exposure is linked to acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Is there benzene in sunscreen?
Valisure’s research indicates that many popular sunscreen brands contain benzene. These brands include:
- Neutrogena
- Sun Bum
- CVS Health
- Fruit of the Earth
- Raw Elements
- SunBurnt
- Goodsense
- Banana Boat
- TopCare
- Everyday
- EltaMD
- Babyganics
- Walgreens
- Raw Elements
- Coppertone
- Max Block
- Solimo
- Equate
- LaRoche-Posay
- Aveeno
- Up & Up
Valisure analyzed nearly 300 unique batches from dozens of sunscreen brands and detected benzene in 78 product batches, including 26 products with benzene levels between 0.1 parts per million (ppm) and 2 ppm, and 14 products with benzene levels over 2 ppm. “Even benzene at 0.1 ppm in a sunscreen could expose people to excessively high nanogram amounts of benzene,” Dr. Christopher Bunick told Valisure.
Is Neutrogena carcinogenic?
Multiple types of Neutrogena sunscreen were found by Valisure to contain benzene. Specific Neutrogena products in which benzene was detected include:
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Spray, SPF 100+
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70
- Neutrogena Beach Defense Oil-Free Body Sunscreen Spray, SPF 100
- Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Body Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
- Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Body Sunscreen SPF 50
- Neutrogena CoolDry Sport Water-Resistant Sunscreen Spray SPF 70
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30;
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant Sunscreen SPF 70
- Neutrogena CoolDry Sport Water-Resistant Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Johnson & Johnson, the company that owns Neutrogena, issued a voluntary recall of some Neutrogena sunscreen products in response to Valisure testing results. J&J said that benzene is not an ingredient in any of its sunscreen products and that the recall is being done out of “an abundance of caution.”
Contact Us
Sunscreen is supposed to prevent skin cancer—not cause it. Serious questions remain about how benzene ended up in these products and what the manufacturers knew, or should have known, about cancer-causing ingredients in sunscreen. What’s certain is that a known human carcinogen has no place in any product, never mind one that is intended to be applied every day, for a lifetime.
Did you use a sunscreen that, unbeknownst to you or your doctor, contains benzene? Have you been diagnosed with cancer? Our sunscreen cancer lawyers are ready to review your claim and let you know how we can help. Contact us today at 561-939-8042