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Sunscreen Benzene Contamination Class Action Lawsuits Overview:
- Who: Class action lawsuits were filed against Johnson & Johnson, Banana Boat and Coppertone, among others, over claims related to benzene contamination in sunscreen products.
- Why: Consumers claimed the companies failed to disclose to consumers that their sunscreen products contained benzene, a known human carcinogen.
- Where: Class action lawsuits revolving around benzene contamination claims were filed nationwide.
Consumers looking to protect their skin from the damaging rays of the sun were taken aback last year after it was revealed that a number of popular sunscreen brands contained the cancer-causing chemical benzene.
The benzene contamination prompted a number of recalls and class action lawsuits from consumers who felt they were deceived by being sold a sunscreen allegedly containing a carcinogen.
With May being National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Top Class Actions is taking a look back at the benzene contamination concerns that swept the nation and turned the skincare industry on its head.
J&J, Banana Boat Face Benzene Contamination Allegations
Johnson & Johnson faced claims in July 2021 that the company knowingly sold Neutrogena brand sunscreens containing benzene, a known human carcinogen.
Consumers argued J&J violated federal and state consumer protection laws by allegedly failing to include benzene in the ingredients lists for its Neutrogena brand sunscreen products.
A similar class action was filed against J&J several months later in October by a consumer claiming the company failed to warn the public that some of its Neutrogena brand sunscreen products contained benzene.
Later in July, a class action lawsuit was filed against Banana Boat over claims that certain sunscreen products manufactured by the company contained benzene.
Consumers argued Banana Boat sold an “adulterated” product and, similarly to J&J, failed to list benzene on the ingredients lists for its sunscreens.
The next month, J&J asked a federal judge to consolidate into a multidistrict litigation a total of 12 class action lawsuits filed against it over benzene contamination allegations.
J&J argued that the class action lawsuits all had the same common questions and that it would serve “the convenience of the parties and witnesses” to have the complaints consolidated.
J&J, Coppertone Recall Sunscreens Due To Benzene Contamination
The benzene contamination also led to a number of product recalls after Valisure, an independent analytical pharmacy, asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May of last year to remove from the market 78 different sunscreen products it found contained benzene.
Several months later, in July 2021, J&J recalled a total of five Neutrogena and Aveeno brand sunscreen products after internal testing revealed they contained “low levels” of benzene.
J&J began issuing refunds a month later for consumers who had purchased any of the recalled Neutrogena and Aveeno brand spray sunscreen products.
Consumers needed to complete a form on J&J’s Consumer Care Center’s website to start the refund process.
In October 2021, meanwhile, Coppertone recalled 12 lots of its aerosol sunscreen products after discovering they contained benzene.
The recall, which Coppertone did voluntarily, included aerosol sunscreens that were marketed for kids and babies.
J&J, Costco Settle Benzene Contamination Claims
Several class action lawsuits related to benzene contamination allegations have led to settlement agreements between sunscreen manufacturers and consumers.
Last month, J&J agreed to give out $1.75 million in vouchers as part of a settlement that was made to resolve claims it sold Aveeno and Neutrogena sunscreens containing benzene.
Consumers who want to be part of the class action settlement have until July 7 to submit a valid claim form.
In November, meanwhile, Costco and J&J agreed in principle to a settlement aimed at resolving claims the companies failed to warn consumers that certain sunscreen products Costco sold and J&J manufactured contained benzene.
If you purchased Neutrogena or Aveeno sunscreen that contained benzene, you may be able to join a sunscreen cancer class action lawsuit investigation (links to paid attorney content).
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33 thoughts onIt’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Protect Yourself by Carefully Choosing Your Sunscreen
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