When we buy sunscreen, it is to protect our skin from the damaging effects of the sun. We want to prevent things like premature aging, sunburns and skin cancer. We definitely don’t want the sunscreen we buy to do more harm than good. We definitely don’t want our sunscreen to cause cancer.

Johnson & Johnson has issued a recall for 5 types of sunscreen due to an ingredient found in the sunscreens that can cause cancer with repeated exposure. The ingredient is called benzene.

Many you’re thinking, no big deal, you don’t use Johnson & Johnson sunscreen; you use Aveeno or Neutrogena brand sunscreen. Hold on. Both Aveeno and Neutrogena labels fall under the Johnson & Johnson family of brands. In fact, one Aveeno sunscreen and 4 Neutrogena sunscreens are the ones being recalled.

The following sunscreens are part of the recall:

• Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen
• Neutrogena Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen
• Neutrogena CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen
• Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen
• Neutrogena UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen

All of the sunscreens that are being recalled are aerosol sunscreens, so if you use a lotion, you’re in the clear. Of the sunscreens listed above, all SPF levels and all bottle sizes are part of the recall. If you use any of these products, stop using them immediately.

Johnson & Johnson claims that the amount of benzene in the products should not cause cancer, but they are being cautious and recalling the products anyway. They are working to get all the products pulled from store shelves nationwide.

According to a press release from Johnson & Johnson, “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 recalled products were sold at retailers throughout the United States. If you have one or more of the recalled products in your home, Johnson & Johnson recommends throwing it away, but that doesn’t necessarily mean putting it in your trash can. You should follow the proper disposal for aerosol products in your area.

You can request a refund for the recalled products you purchased by calling the JJCI Consumer Care Center at 1-800-458-1673. You can also contact your healthcare provider with any questions if you have already used these recalled products.

What type of sunscreen do you usually use? Does it surprise you that a cancer causing ingredient somehow contaminated 5 types of Johnson & Johnson sunscreen?