Banana Boat Recalls Another Batch of Sunscreen Spray, Due to Cancer-Causing Chemical (Updates)

Sunscreen is supposed to keep you safe from cancer — so when a carcinogen (a substance that is known to cause cancer) is detected in a popular sunscreen, well, the irony is simply not funny. In the summer of 2022, a Banana Boat sunscreen recall was issued, as a concerning substance was found in a few batches of one Banana Boat product.

Then, in January 2023, Banana Boat expanded its recall from three batches to four, explaining that more benzene was detected in these products, despite not being an ingredient in the products.

Here’s what you need to know about the recall, benzene, and how to avoid excessive exposure to the chemical.

On July 29, 2022, Banana Boat’s parent company, Edgewell Personal Care Company, issued a voluntary recall of three batches of Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Spray SPF 30. All batches are in the 6-ounce size, with the UPC 0-79656-04041-8. They are:

• Lot Code 20016AF, expires December 2022

• Lot Code 20084BF, expires February 2023

• Lot Code 21139AF, expires April 2024.

According to a press release by Edgewell, internal testing detected “trace levels of benzene” in samples of the product, which is packaged in an aerosol can.

“While benzene is not an ingredient in any Banana Boat products, the review showed that unexpected levels of benzene came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can,” Edgewell explained.

But then, in late January 2023, Edgewell Personal Care Company announced that a new review detected trace levels of benzene in a fourth batch of 6-ounce Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Spray SPF 30:

• Lot Code 20301CF, expires September 2023.

If you have this sunscreen spray at home, you can verify the lot code on the bottom of the can. If you have sunscreen from one of the above batches, stop using the product immediately, and follow Edgewell’s instructions for reimbursement.

As of Jan. 27, 2023, Edgewell has not received any reports of illness related to the recall.

Benzene is a chemical compound that is found far and wide in the U.S, according to the CDC. It can be found in volcanoes, forest fires, crude oil, vehicle exhaust, hazardous waste sites, gasoline, and tobacco smoke; it is also one of the 20 most-commonly used chemicals based on production volume, as per the government agency.

Benzene is used in the production of product categories including detergents, dyes, drugs, pesticide, plastics, rubbers, according to the American Cancer Society.

Benzene has been scientifically proven to cause cancer, namely leukemia and blood cells cancers, as noted by the American Cancer Society. This is more likely to affect people exposed to high levels of benzene at work, but there is still a likelihood that excessive exposure to benzene could adversely affect anyone.

However, benzene can cause other long-term health issues, such as anemia, or a low count of white blood cells or blood platelets. It can also cause short-term ailments, including: stomach issues, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, rapid heart rate, and irritation of the eyes, throat, or skin, as per the American Cancer Society.

And while government agencies and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have regulations regarding safe benzene levels, it’s clear that exposure to benzene can still happen.

To reduce your benzene exposure, the American Cancer Society suggests staying away from cigarette smoke, gasoline, car exhausts, and any products that may contain benzene — such as art supplies, paints, and solvents. Use of any of these products is generally safer in outdoor or ventilated spaces.

We also recommend staying away from any sunscreens that have been recalled for containing benzene. In addition to the Banana Boat product in question, in the summer of 2021, several sunscreen products made by Aveeno and Neutrogena (which are both owned by​​ Johnson & Johnson) were recalled, also for containing benzene.

Fortunately, there are a number of sunscreens on the market that are free of toxic ingredients. Check out our guides to reef-safe face sunscreens, reef-safe sunscreens that do not have a white cast, and vegan sunscreens — all of which are cruelty-free, unlike Banana Boat.

This article, originally published on Aug. 1, 2022, has been updated to include information on the expansion of Banana Boat's sunscreen recall.