A popular sunscreen has been voluntarily recalled due to the potential presence of benzene, a known cancer-causing chemical. Banana Boat is voluntarily recalling three production batches of Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 aerosol sprays.
In a statement, Banana Boat said, “We know that you love our products, and we are conducting this recall out of an abundance of caution. Importantly, no other batches of Hair & Scalp (either before or after these batch codes) and no other Banana Boat products are in the scope of this recall and may continue to be used by consumers safely and as intended.”
Edgewell Personal products, which makes Schick razors, Playtex, Stayfree, and Carefree feminine hygiene products, Cremo shave cream, and more, says they have not yet received any adverse event reports related to the recall of their Banana Boat products. They say that out of an abundance of caution they are advising consumers to stop using the affected product immediately and appropriately discard.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that benzene causes cancer in humans. Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene in the air can cause leukemia, cancer of the blood forming organs. Some women who breathed high levels of benzene for many months had irregular menstrual periods and a decrease in the size of their ovaries. According to the CDC, it is not known whether benzene exposure affects the developing fetus in pregnant women or fertility in men. The CDC also says benzene can have a long-term effect on the blood; benzene causes harmful effects on the bone marrow and can cause a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia. It can also cause excessive bleeding and can affect the immune system, increasing the chance for infection.
“An internal review found that some samples of the product contained trace levels of benzene. 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.”
Specifically, these products are part of the recall:
| UPC | DESCRIPTION | Lot Code | Expiration | Size |
| 0-79656-04041-8 | Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Spray SPF 30 | 20016AF | December 2022 | 6 oz |
| 0-79656-04041-8 | Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Spray SPF 30 | 20084BF | February 2023 | 6 oz |
| 0-79656-04041-8 | Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Spray SPF 30 | 21139AF | April 2024 | 6 oz |
