Sunscreen victims

Sunscreen Resources Overview

It is popular to use sunscreen to block ultraviolet radiation and protect against skin cancer. There is growing evidence that certain types of sunscreen contain benzene, a toxic chemical known to cause cancer in humans.

There has been a demand for product recalls and concerns raised about sunscreen chemicals after benzene was found in dozens of sunscreen products. According to these new findings, those who use sunscreen to avoid skin cancer may actually be increasing their risk of developing other types of cancer. Even low levels of continuous exposure to benzene are a major risk factor for the development of blood-related cancers, including leukemia, myeloma, and lymphoma.

A sunscreen cancer lawsuit may be filed if you have been diagnosed with cancer after using a sunscreen that contained benzene. Contact our lawyers for more information.

FAQs

Does sunscreen contain an ingredient that causes cancer in users?

According to Valisure, dozens of sunscreens and after-sun care products contain the industrial chemical benzene. Benzene is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates sunscreens because they are considered drugs, and benzene is categorized as a “class 1 solvent” that cannot be used in the manufacturing of drugs or drug substances.

Does sunscreen cause cancer?

Cancer may be caused by a sunscreen that contains benzene. In spite of the lack of specific studies on benzene sunscreens and cancer, Valisure found benzene in sunscreen samples. According to Dr. Christopher Bunick, Associate Professor of Dermatology at Yale University, “benzene cannot exist at a safe level in sunscreen products.”

Sunscreen containing benzene absorbs into the skin, where it enters the bloodstream and can cause cancer. The IARC states that exposure to benzene is linked to acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Does sunscreen contain benzene?

A study conducted by Valisure discovered that benzene can be found in many popular sunscreen brands. Among them are:

• 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

In a study of nearly 300 batches from dozens of sunscreen brands, Valisure found benzene in 78 product batches, including 26 batches with benzene levels between 0.1 and 2 parts per million (ppm), and 14 batches with benzene levels over 2 ppm. Benzene in sunscreens at even 0.1 ppm could expose people to excessive nanogram amounts of benzene, according to Valisure’s Christopher Bunick.

Are Neutrogena products carcinogenic?

Valisure found benzene in numerous types of Neutrogena sunscreen. Benzene was detected in the following Neutrogena products:

• 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

Neutrogena, the sunscreen brand owned by Johnson & Johnson, voluntarily recalled some of its sunscreen products in response to Valisure’s tests. The company said sunscreen products do not contain benzene, and that it is recalling them from a “sense of caution.”

Contact Us

Skin cancer is prevented by sunscreen, not caused by it. It’s still unclear how benzene ended up in these products and what the sunscreen manufacturers knew or should have known about cancer-causing ingredients. There is no doubt that a known human carcinogen has no place in a product, especially one that is meant to be applied every day, for life.

Have you used sunscreen that contained benzene, unbeknownst to you or your doctor? Do you have a cancer diagnosis? If you have a sunscreen cancer claim, our lawyers are ready to assist you.

Contact us today at 833) 4BNBLAW or info@bb.law.