About Contaminated Sunscreen Lawsuit
In 2021, independent testing by Valisure revealed that 78 out of 294 sunscreen products contained high levels of benzene, a known carcinogen. Benzene is a volatile organic compound that should never be present in topical sunscreen products and is not used in their formulation, indicating a manufacturing defect or contamination issue. Affected brands include Neutrogena, Aveeno, Coppertone, and Banana Boat—some of the most popular sunscreen brands in the United States.
Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the National Toxicology Program. Chronic exposure to benzene through skin absorption and inhalation of vapors significantly increases cancer risk, particularly for leukemia and other blood cancers. Consumers who used these contaminated sunscreen products over extended periods face elevated health risks.
Following the Valisure testing discovery, multiple class action lawsuits were consolidated into an MDL. Johnson & Johnson reached a settlement involving vouchers and refunds for recalled products. If you purchased and used contaminated sunscreen products from these manufacturers and later developed cancer, you may be eligible for compensation.