Johnson & Johnson is recalling batches of sunscreen after benzene was detected in several.

All batches of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+ with an expiry date of 30th August 2023 or earlier should not be used due to possible health risks linked to benzene.

Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, a substance that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure. It is not an ingredient in this product but is sometimes used in medicine manufacturing processes.

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has limits on these types of solvents, and benzene must be below a concentration of 2 parts per million (ppm) in medicines. This includes sunscreen products that are listed medicines in Australia.

Reports say that product testing detected benzene at concentrations less than 3 ppm in 2 of the 17 batches supplied in Australia. 

Exposure to benzene in this sunscreen product, at the levels detected, would not be expected to cause serious adverse health effects, but to reduce the risk to consumers, the company is recalling all batches of the affected product supplied within Australia.

Professor Oliver Jones from the School of Science at RMIT University says it is actually a good sign.

“This headline might sound scary at first, but in my view it actually shows Australian regulations are working; a potential issue has been detected and corrective action taken quickly,” he said.

 “It might also help to keep in mind that parts per million (ppm) is an expression of concentration, not an absolute amount. 

“In other words, it tells us how much of something is in a larger amount of something else. Two parts per million (2 ppm) means that for every million parts of a mixture (in this case the sunscreen spray) as a whole, there are two parts of the substance being measured (in this case Benzene). 

“Put another way, 1ppm is also roughly equivalent to one minute out of two years. 

“In this case the level of Benzene detected was between two and three ppm when it should be less than two ppm. So a very tiny difference.

 “People should not worry even if they have used the affected product. 

“Only two out of 17 batches were affected so the chances of even being exposed are very low in the first place. Benzene evaporates into the air very quickly and 3ppm for a short period of time is not enough to cause serious effects.”

Consumers should discard the products and visit www.neutrogena.com.au to request a refund.