Safety Report: Unilever Aerosol Antiperspirants - recalled due to elevated levels of benzene, USA

United States

Unilever United States is voluntarily recalling two Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirants to the consumer level. An internal review showed slightly elevated levels of benzene in some product samples. While benzene is not an ingredient in any of the recalled products, the review showed that unexpected levels of benzene came from the propellant that sprays the product out of the can.
Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. The affected products were in limited distribution at U.S. retail stores and online.

Unilever is recalling all lots of the products below with an expiration date through September 2023. No other Unilever or Suave products are in the scope of this recall. 

UPC: 079400751508; 079400784902
Description: Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant Powder
Size: 4 oz; 6 oz

UPC: 079400785503
Description: Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant Fresh
Size: 6 oz

Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin; it can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life threatening. Benzene is ubiquitous in the environment. Humans around the world have daily exposures to it indoors and outdoors from multiple sources. Based on an independent health hazard evaluation, daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.

The Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant product line was discontinued in October 2021 for business reasons. Retailers have been notified to remove recalled products from shelves. Consumers should stop using and appropriately discard the affected Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant products.

Company name: Unilever
Brand name: Suave
Product recalled: Aerosol Antiperspirants
Reason of the recall: Elevated levels of benzene
FDA Recall date: March 30, 2022

Source: www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/unilever-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-suave-24-hour-protection-aerosol-antiperspirant-powder