Personal Care Brands Named in Benzene Lawsuits

Personal Care Brands Named in Benzene Lawsuits

A recent study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology has raised serious concerns about the safety of widely used acne treatment products. The researchers found that many of these popular acne products contain high levels of benzene, a known carcinogen.

This discovery reveals a potential public health risk, particularly since teenagers and young adults commonly use these products. This marks the second analysis to confirm benzene in acne creams and cleansers; corroborating concerns researchers stated last year.

Benzene and Its Dangers

Benzene is a colorless, light-yellow liquid that may seem harmless, but this chemical poses a serious health threat. It is a well-established carcinogen linked to various types of cancer, particularly leukemia and other blood-related disorders. 

Benzene can harm you through inhalation, ingestion, or even skin absorption, making it especially dangerous in everyday skincare products.

Regular, repeated exposure to benzene—even at low levels—can disrupt normal cell function, damage bone marrow, and significantly increase cancer risk. This is particularly troubling as we now find this harmful substance in products as seemingly benign as acne creams and sunscreens.

Benzene in these everyday consumer goods raises serious questions about safety standards and regulatory oversight in the cosmetics and personal care industry.

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit has shown us the devastating impact that prolonged benzene exposure can have, with thousands of veterans and their families suffering the consequences.

Benzene has become a real issue in several recent lawsuits, from tainted sunscreen products to recalled antiperspirants. The fact that this dangerous chemical is in daily skincare and personal care items is concerning and shows the urgent need for stricter regulations and better oversight to protect public health.

Benzene Studies and Testing

A recent study examined over 100 benzoyl peroxide (BPO) acne products sold by major retailers across six states. The findings were problematic; the survey uncovered benzene contaminated approximately one-third of these products.

Some contaminated products included well-known brands like Proactiv and a CVS-brand face wash. The study revealed that the benzene levels in these products far exceeded the safety limits set by the FDA.

Specifically, the Proactiv product contained 18 times the acceptable level of benzene, while the CVS-brand face wash had 13 times the allowable amount. These troubling results have started increased calls for regulatory action and potential lawsuits to address this potential public health issue.

Benzene Testing

Before this study, Valisure LLC, an independent testing laboratory, petitioned the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall affected acne treatments containing elevated levels of the carcinogen benzene. This would allow regulators to investigate the issue further.

Valisure Lab raised concerns about benzene contamination in acne products earlier this year. While their initial findings faced criticism, as they tested the products under high heat conditions (around 122°F), which may not represent typical use, the researchers conducted a new study at room temperature.

This latest study, which underwent peer review to add credibility, still found concerning levels of benzene in several products.

Valisure tested 66 benzoyl peroxide (BPO) products, including creams, lotions, gels, and washes, available over-the-counter or by prescription.

The FDA currently allows up to 2 parts per million (ppm) of benzene, but Valisure found some acne products with levels up to 12 times the permitted amount. Moreover, benzene levels significantly increased when Valisure tested the products at higher temperatures, simulating how they can break down over time.

Specifically, some products, such as those from Clean & Clear and Neutrogena, did not exceed the FDA's benzene limit of 2 parts per million under normal conditions. However, certain Clearasil products contained benzene just above the U.S. limit. This indicates that benzene contamination is a problem for many acne products, even without exposure to extreme heat.

Concern over benzene in acne products is not new. However, with its more stringent testing methods, this latest study confirms that benzene contamination is an ongoing problem that manufacturers and regulators must address.

How Contamination Happens

Manufacturers may inadvertently introduce benzene into acne products while producing certain ingredients, particularly hydrocarbons like benzoyl peroxide. 

Benzoyl peroxide is a common and effective acne treatment that kills acne-causing bacteria and lowers inflammation. However, the processing of benzoyl peroxide can sometimes result in the creation of benzene as a byproduct. Plus, exposure to high temperatures or ultraviolet light can cause benzene levels in these products to rise even higher, posing even more health risks for consumers.

Of course, once these health risks become public, so do illnesses that may connect with them. Lawsuits inevitably follow. 

Manufacturers’ Legal and Financial Consequences for Benzene Contamination

As concerns over benzene contamination in consumer products grow, manufacturers may face significant legal and financial consequences. Pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies are legally obligated to ensure their products do not pose unreasonable consumer risks. Failing to fulfill this responsibility could expose them to lawsuits, fines, and a loss of consumer trust.

If further research validates these findings, companies like CVS, Proactiv, and others may have to reformulate contaminated products, issue recalls, or even face class action lawsuits. We will likely see a wave of legal action against manufacturers that did not take adequate steps to safeguard the safety of their goods.

Benzene Recalls and Lawsuits

In July 2021, Johnson & Johnson voluntarily recalled five aerosol sunscreens under its Neutrogena and Aveeno brands. External testing had revealed low levels of benzene in these products.

Benzene is a chemical that the FDA has banned from use in sunscreens due to potential health risks. Individuals who believe exposure to benzene from these recalled sunscreens caused them harm may file personal injury claims against Johnson & Johnson. Some consumers have also joined a federal lawsuit over benzene contamination.

In 2021, the FDA issued a nationwide voluntary recall of specific Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50 Spray batches. Beyond product liability actions, Beiersdorf, the manufacturer, now faces personal injury lawsuits from consumers who say the company did not warn them about the product’s risks.

For instance, the Ballotti v. Beiersdorf Inc. case details a consumer's allegation that Coppertone sunscreen did not adequately protect her from sunlight, leading to painful blistering and skin discoloration.

After learning that Coppertone sunscreen contained benzene, consumers took legal action to hold the company accountable for health damages. This discovery has also raised broader safety concerns about the company's other sunscreen products.

In November 2021, an independent testing laboratory discovered high levels of benzene in several P&G deodorant and body spray brands, including Aussie, Herbal Essences, Old Spice, Pantene, and Secret. This prompted consumer groups to petition the FDA for a recall of these products.

Later, P&G faced lawsuits alleging it knew about the benzene contamination but failed to warn consumers or remove the affected products from store shelves. P&G settled these claims out of court. Consumers who chose not to participate in the settlement or class-action lawsuits now have the option to file separate claims against the company.

In April 2022, Unilever recalled its Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant and other aerosol products due to high benzene levels. Subsequently, plaintiffs filed lawsuits against Unilever.

In November 2021, Yvonne Barnes and Patricia Dean brought a class-action lawsuit against Unilever United States Incorporated. The lawsuit alleges that if the plaintiffs had known the Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant contained benzene, they would not have purchased it. The plaintiffs claim they suffered economic damages because Unilever failed to warn them about the carcinogen in the product.

A judge denied Unilever's motion to dismiss the suit. Unilever argued that federal law preempted all the plaintiffs' claims. In March 2023, the plaintiffs' attorneys argued before the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to combine the Unilever cases, but the panel denied this request.

Benzene Use Changes

The recent contamination information has put more pressure on the FDA to take action and enforce stricter regulations on skincare and acne products. In 2021, the agency issued guidance telling drug manufacturers to test products for benzene contamination.

However, critics argue that the FDA has not done enough to monitor compliance or issue recalls faster for problematic products. This slow response time caused more scrutiny and demands for better oversight to protect consumers from harmful chemicals.

Consumer Safety and Education

Consumers can take several steps to stay safe and informed about the products they use.

• First, they should check for product recalls and updates from trusted sources to identify safer options, especially for acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide. 
• Second, they should limit sun exposure and avoid extreme heat after applying these products, as this can increase benzene levels due to product instability.

Consumers should also monitor their health closely and talk to a dermatologist or healthcare professional if they experience strange symptoms, such as skin irritation or allergic reactions.

While avoiding all acne products containing benzoyl peroxide may not be practical, being proactive can help minimize their exposure to the risks. Consumers need to stay vigilant and take an active role in protecting their health and safety.

Future Benzene Regulation

The latest study reveals the need for greater transparency and stricter personal care regulations. As more products face scrutiny, manufacturers and regulatory agencies must collaborate to ensure that all skincare products are safe for consumers. 

Consumers should not have to worry about carcinogenic chemicals in their everyday products, and it is the industry's and regulators' shared responsibility to restore public trust.

As this situation evolves, the focus will be on how the FDA responds and whether it takes stronger measures to protect public health in light of these alarming findings.

Filing or Joining a Benzene Lawsuit

Pursuing a Benzene injury claim or lawsuit is a complicated legal process. To manage it successfully, consult an experienced mass tort lawyer affiliated with Lawsuit Legal News (LLN).

Our legal team can help you through every step, from filing the claim with the right government department to joining ongoing multi-district litigation (MDL) and getting the benefits and compensation you deserve.

We understand the profound impact this contamination had on the lives of countless people, and we are prepared to fight vigorously for your legal rights.

We also remain on the cutting edge of these evolving cases, so we can explain your options and what you can expect going forward with your claim or lawsuit. The litigation has recently taken an interesting turn, and we are closely monitoring it.