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Is your sunscreen or after-sun on the list of those containing a dangerously high level of benzene?

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Some popular sunscreens and after-sun products contain a high level of benzene, a carcinogen linked to blood cancer, according to recent tests effectuated by Valisure, a consumer protection group. No level of benzene in cream, spray or lotions is safe for humans. Additionally previous studies have also found that  applying sunscreen increases the penetration of benzene through the human skin.

Valisure fount the highest level of benzene in the following  products:

  • The SPF 100+ Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Spray by Neutrogena with up to 6.26 ppm average level of benzene in a tested batch 
  • The SPF 70 ay Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen by Neutrogena with up to 5.96 ppm level of benzene in a tested batch
  • The Cool Down gel by Sun Bum  (5.33 ppm)
  • The SPF 100  Beach Defense Oil-Free Body Sunscreen Spray by Neutrogena (5.20 ppm)
  • The After-sun Aloe Vera Soothing Spray by CVS Health (4.71 ppm)
  • The SPF 60+ Invisible Daily Defense Body Sunscreen Broad Spectrum by Neutrogena (4.65 ppm) 
  • The SPF 50 Beach Defense Spray Body  by Neutrogena (3.52 ppm)
  • The Aloe Vera Gel by Fruit of the Earth (2.78 ppm)
  • The SPF100+ Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Spray by Neutrogena (2.30 ppm)

These products are dangerous and should be avoided by consumers.

A lower but still alarming level of benzene was found in the below products and consumers should avoid them as well:

  • The SPF 30 Eco formula sunscreen lotion by Raw Elements  with up to 1.35 ppm average level of benzene in a tested batch
  • The Aftersun Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel by CVS Health (0.81)
  • The Advanced After-Sun Gel by SunBurnt (0.75)
  • The SPF 30 sunscreen lotion by Goodsense (0.71)
  • The SPF 70 Cooldry Sport  Spray by Neutrogena (0.66)
  • The SPF 30 Ultra Sheer Body Mist Spray by Neutrogena (0.49)
  • The SPF100 Kids Max Protect & Play Sunscreen C-Spray by Banana Boat (0.41)
  • The SPF4 UltraMist Deep Tanning Dry Oil Continuous Clear Spray by Banana Boat (0.36)
  • The SPF 45 Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Spray by Neutrogena (0.15)
  • The SPF100 Ultra Sport Clear Sunscreen Spray by Banana Boat (0.15)
  • The SPF 70 Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant Sunscreen Lotion by Neutrogena (0.13)
  • The SPF 50 Cooldry Sport Spray by Neutrogena (0.13)
  • The SPF 70 Ultimate Sheer Sunscreen Lotion by TopCareEveryday (0.12)
  • The SPF 45 UV Aero Broad-Spectrum Full-Body Sunscreen Spray by EltaMD (0.11)

Valisure also found traces of benzene in several batches of tested products that can be found in the petition that Valisure sent to the FDA asking for the dangerous batches of products to be recalled.

Valisure also published the long list of products that were tested and that did not contain any benzene. If you are using sunscreen on a regular basis, which you should, this list will help you find safe products. The list of safe sunscreen and after-sun can be downloaded here 

Read the Valisure Press Release

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