Sunscreens are designed to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. However, not all sunscreens are created equal, and some may be recalled for various reasons, including labeling errors, contamination, or ineffective ingredients.
If you’re concerned about a particular sunscreen product, the first thing you can do is check the FDA’s website for any recent recalls or safety alerts. You can also contact the manufacturer directly to ask about their products and any recalls they may have issued.
Some recent sunscreen recalls include:
- Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens: In July 2021, Johnson & Johnson announced a voluntary recall of several Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreen products due to the presence of benzene, a known carcinogen. The affected products were sold in aerosol cans and include Neutrogena Beach Defense, Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport, Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer, and Aveeno Protect + Refresh.
- Banana Boat sunscreens: In 2019, Energizer Holdings, the manufacturer of Banana Boat sunscreens, recalled several of its products due to the potential for the products to ignite on the skin if exposed to an open flame. The recall included several sprays, including Banana Boat Ultra Sport, Banana Boat Sport, and Banana Boat Kids.
- Coppertone sunscreens: In 2018, Bayer, the manufacturer of Coppertone sunscreens, recalled several of its products due to an error in the labeling that could lead to consumers using the product incorrectly. The recall included several sprays and lotions, including Coppertone Sport, Coppertone Kids, and Coppertone WaterBabies.
- Hawaiian Tropic sunscreens: In 2016, Energizer Holdings, the manufacturer of Hawaiian Tropic sunscreens, recalled several of its products due to the potential for the products to contain a harmful bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The recall included several lotions and sprays, including Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration, and Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport.
It’s worth noting that sunscreen recalls are relatively rare, and most sunscreens on the market are safe and effective when used as directed. However, it’s important to read the label and use the product as directed to ensure maximum protection and to minimize the risk of skin irritation or other adverse reactions.
If you’re concerned about a particular sunscreen product or have had an adverse reaction to a sunscreen product, you can report it to the FDA’s MedWatch program. MedWatch is a voluntary reporting program that allows consumers, healthcare professionals, and manufacturers to report adverse events or problems with products, including sunscreens.
In summary, while sunscreen recalls are relatively rare, it’s important to check the FDA’s website for any recent recalls or safety alerts and to use sunscreen products as directed to ensure maximum protection and minimize the risk of adverse reactions. If you have concerns about a particular sunscreen product, you can contact the manufacturer directly or report it to the FDA’s MedWatch program.