Sunscreens May Not Be as Safe as Consumers Think

With summer approaching and pandemic-driven restrictions being lifted nationwide, more people will be enjoying the outdoors. Fun under the sun often requires protection in the form of sunscreens and after-sun lotions and sprays. For consumers who purchase and use these products, the least of their worries are sunburns.

A known carcinogen in popular summertime products

A study from Valisure provided alarming details of these so-called protective products. Recent testing revealed that out of approximately 300 sprays and lotions used by both adults and children found that more than a quarter of them contained benzene.

A product meant to prevent skin cancer contains a known carcinogen that is actually linked to individuals being diagnosed with blood cancer.

Valisure analyzed nearly 300 unique batches from 69 brands of sunscreen and after-sun care products. Their study revealed that 78 of the product batches contained benzene at a detectable level, with 26 having significantly higher concentrations.

Neutrogena, a high-profile brand, accounted for two out of the 14 other specific products that contained some of the highest levels of benzene. Others included Banana Boat and CVS. The testing of all samples uncovered up to three times the FDA’s conditionally restricted concentration limit of the controversial chemical.

Valisure has published their petition to the FDA that encompasses a specific list of high benzene levels. They are also asking to recall all of the contaminated batches.

Consumers place a great deal of trust in the manufacturers of sunscreen, particularly parents of children. When that faith is breached due to the presence of dangerous chemicals that result in a deadly disease, legal action may be necessary to hold them accountable.