J&J repeals products after detecting cancer-causing components

Johnson and Johnson pulled out its sunscreen products Neutrogena and Aveeno spray from the stores after samples showed the presence of potentially cancer-causing chemical benzene.

"While benzene is not an ingredient in any of our sunscreen products, it was detected in some samples of the impacted aerosol sunscreen finished products. We are investigating the cause of this issue, which is limited to certain aerosol sunscreen products," the company said.

"Consumers should stop using these specific products and appropriately discard them," it added.

The withdrawn products include Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, and four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen. The company, one of the biggest sellers of consumer health products, noted that the amount of benzene detected is not expected to cause adverse health reactions. However, it is also notifying distributors and retailers to stop selling the product and arrange for their return, it added.

Benzene is potentially carcinogenic, considering levels and extent of exposure. However, it is common in the environment and can be absorbed by inhalation, through the skin or orally.