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On June 29, 2021, Shub Law filed a class action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. following a report by analytical pharmacy Valisure that revealed high levels of benzene in several batches of sunscreen. The case was filed in the District of New Jersey, on behalf of a nationwide class. The case is styled as Jimenez et al v. Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc., No. 3:21-CV-13113-FLW-TJB.
WHAT IS BENZENE?
Benzene is a known carcinogen linked to leukemia, bone marrow failure, and many other deleterious health effects. The FDA recognizes benzene as a class 1 solvent that should not be employed in the manufacture of drug substances, excipients, or other drug products due to its unacceptable level of toxicity. Decades of research shows that benzene exposure is associated with severe health risks, and exposure can include skin absorption. Furthermore, one research study shows that the application of sunscreen specifically increases the absorption rate of benzene through the skin.
Notably, benzene is not listed as an active or inactive ingredient on any of the labels of the Products at issue in our suit.
WHAT PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN RECALLED?
Johnson & Johnson manufactures, sells, markets, and distributes several over-the-counter sunscreen products under its brand name “Neutrogena.” The following products are at issue in the lawsuit:
•Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Spray, SPF 100+
•Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70
•Neutrogena Beach Defense Oil-Free Body Sunscreen Spray SPF 100
•Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Body Sunscreen Broadspectrum SPF 60+
•Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Body Sunscreen SPF 50
WHERE IS OUR CASE CURRENTLY?
While we were first to file in New Jersey, there is pending litigation in other states due to the widespread nature of the issue. Currently, the Judicial Panel on Multidistict Litigation is making a determination as to where the case should be held. We have argued that, for many reasons, including the fact that Johnson & Johnson is headquartered in New Jersey, the case should be transferred here.
CONTACT US
If you purchased a J&J Sunscreen product listed above and you are concerned about the levels of benzene in the product, please contact us for a free consultation at [email protected] or give us a call at 856-772-7200.