Sunscreen and Exposure to Cancer-Causing Agents – What You Should Know

Major companies are under intense scrutiny following the discovery that many of their sunscreen products contain higher than safe levels of known cancer-causing carcinogens. According to the Los Angeles Times, a group of researchers and scientists are asking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue another recall of sunscreen products.

Many Sunscreens Contain Multiple Carcinogens

In 2019, the FDA asked sunscreen manufacturers to provide safety information on each of the products’ chemical ingredients, including octocrylene and benzene. Numerous sunscreen products have already been recalled for having higher than safe levels of benzene. Both benzene and octocrylene are known cancer-causing agents.

In addition to benzene and octocrylene, another cancer-causing agent, benzophenone, has been detected in some sunscreens. One study “suggests that benzophenone was formed by degradation of octocrylene” and that only “sunscreens containing the UV blocker tested positive” for benzophenone.

What Brands of Sunscreen Have Been Recalled?

Because of numerous sunscreen product recalls and new safety concerns, consumers are likely wondering what is safe and what is not safe. The FDA provides detailed information about all recalled sunscreen products on its website. According to the FDA, the following sunscreen products have already been recalled and pulled from the market:

• Neutrogena Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen
• Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen
• Neutrogena Invisible Daily defense aerosol sunscreen
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreen
• Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen

New information concerning the multiple carcinogenic toxins found in sunscreens may lead to additional recalls. Consumers concerned about exposure and cancer risks should consult with their healthcare providers and stay updated on new information provided by the FDA and other outlets.

Are Any Sunscreen Products Safe?

Sunscreen products are intended to protect from sun damage and the potential development of skin cancer later in life. Sunscreens have proven to be successful in protecting against dangerous UV rays, but the recent discovery that the products that are supposed to protect us contain cancer-causing agents begs the question of what sunscreen products are safe.

Some mineral-based sunscreens are free from the carcinogens found in the sunscreens subject to recall (or brands that may be subject to recall in the future). However, it is difficult to know whether any other ingredients in mineral-based sunscreens are safe.

The best course of action for consumers is to use their judgment, steer clear of products that have been recalled, and work with a skincare professional or healthcare provider to find the safest option to avoid the dangers of the sun.

Contact Searcy Denney Today for a Free Case Evaluation

If you have developed cancer and you believe exposure to certain sunscreens may be to blame, you have nothing to lose by seeking the advice of a sunscreen recall lawyer. By speaking with a lawyer, you will better understand your situation and whether you may have potential legal claims.

The sunscreen recall lawyers of Searcy Denney have experience handling a wide variety of defective product claims, including both consumer and pharmaceutical products, as well as medications. Our team of lawyers has experience fighting large companies that have endless resources to defend claims. Allow Searcy Denney to provide you with a free case evaluation today by calling (800) 780-8607 or completing a case inquiry form on our website.