Brut, Sure Deodorant And Antiperspirant Sprays Recalled Over 'Unexpected Levels' Of Carcinogen Benzene

HRB Brands is recalling certain Brut and Sure antiperspirant and deodorant sprays due to the presence of benzene, which is considered a carcinogen.

The problem was discovered when a review revealed "unexpected levels" of benzene present in the propellant that sprays the products from a can, the company announcement posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website noted.

Benzene, which is not among the ingredients of the recalled products, is classified by various expert agencies as "carcinogenic to humans" based on "sufficient" evidence that it can cause certain cancers. For instance, rates of acute myeloid leukemia have been seen to be higher in workers in industries where they are exposed to high benzene levels, the American Cancer Society (ACS) noted. These include the oil refining and shoemaking industries.

According to the organization, people get exposed to benzene mainly by inhaling the air that contains it. Benzene can also be absorbed through the skin, although this is said to be "less common."

"Benzene is prevalent in the environment," the company said. "Humans around the world have daily exposures to it indoors and outdoors from multiple sources."

Such community exposures from the environment may include secondhand smoke from cigarette smoking, as well as via gasoline fumes and automobile exhausts, the ACS noted. Benzene is also quite common in the air in both rural and urban areas, although the levels may be "low."

The company said there have been no reports of adverse events related to the recall so far, adding that the effort is being done "out of an abundance of caution."

Recalled antiperspirants/deodorants

The recall affects several Brut and Sure antiperspirant and deodorant sprays. These are the Brut Classic Antiperspirant Aerosol in 4-oz and 6-oz, the Brut Classic Deodorant Aerosol in 154g and 10-oz, the Sure Regular Antiperspirant Aerosol in 6-oz and the Sure Unscented Antiperspirant Aerosol in 6-oz. Consumers can find the UPC numbers of the affected products on the FDA website.

All lot numbers of the above products with the expiration date of "on or before August 2023" are affected by the recall. Photos of the products, as well as further information on where customers can find the expiration date on the can, are available here.

The recalled aerosol antiperspirants and deodorants were distributed across the U.S., while the Brut Aerosol Deodorant in 154g was distributed in Canada, the company noted.

The company is already arranging to have the products returned, while retailers are being advised to stop distributing them. Customers who would like to request a refund can find more information here.