It’s been a tough year for Johnson & Johnson. As we’ve reported, J&J has battled dubious links to talc and cancer in 2021 and for several years before that. Last month, a frivolous lawsuit was brought by a plaintiff who complained DMDM hydantoin in OGX shampoo caused hair loss.

Most recently, as we went to press, J&J voluntarily recalled lots of Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol sunscreens after internal testing identified low levels of benzene in some samples of the products. The only products impacted are aerosols: Neutrogena Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Neutrogena Invisible Daily defense aerosol sunscreen, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreen and Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen.

Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen, a substance that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure. J&J said benzene was detected in some samples of the impacted products, and is investigating the cause of this issue. The company noted that based on exposure modeling and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) framework, daily exposure to benzene in these aerosol sunscreen products at the levels detected in its testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.

J&J said it is recalling all lots of these specific aerosol sunscreen products out of an abundance of caution. The products were distributed nationwide through a variety of retail channels. The company is notifying its distributors and retailers by letter and is arranging for returns of all recalled products. 

Benzene in sunscreen is sure to be a topic of conversation at next month’s Sunscreen Symposium, September 23-25 in Orlando. Once again, the Florida chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists has put together a fantastic lineup of speakers. After a year of cancelled shows, this conference and exhibition is sure to be well-attended. On the topic of sunscreen, click here to read the latest regulatory insights by Nadim Shaath, PhD. Also this month, Sharleen St. Surin-Lord MD details the latest skin care research surrounding cannabidiol. This issue also marks the debut of our new Asia correspondent. Ally Dai, based in Shanghai, is a long-time Happi contributor. She’ll report on the latest issues impacting the Chinese beauty industry. 

This issue of Happi includes a detailed look at the color cosmetics market. Analysts predict that as the masks come off, the lipstick will go on. Here’s hoping that they’re right. Fine fragrance sales were buoyed by Mother’s Day gains, and packaging proves to be as much a sales catalyst as the juice. Our coverage of fragrance design trends starts here. Finally, click here for The International Top 30, our annual look at the largest companies in the global household and personal products industry with headquarters outside the US.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Happi. As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions.

Tom Branna
Editorial Director
[email protected]