Suave Recall: Antiperspirant Sprays Pulled Off Shelves Over Carcinogen Concerns

Unilever United States is voluntarily recalling specific Suave antiperspirant sprays because they may contain the carcinogen benzene. Those with affected products may get a reimbursement.

The problem was discovered through an internal review that found "slightly elevated" levels of benzene in the product samples, according to the company announcement posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website. Although benzene is not among the ingredients in either of the products, "unexpected levels" of it were in the propellant that sprays the product from the can.

Benzene is a chemical that can be formed by both natural and human activities. For instance, volcanoes and forest fires are natural sources of benzene, but it is also a part of cigarette smoke and gasoline, as per the National Institutes of Health.

Benzene has also been classified as "carcinogenic to humans," with long-term exposures to high levels of it in the air determined to cause leukemia and other blood disorders. As the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explained, this is because benzene causes the cells to "not work correctly," for instance by keeping the bone marrow from producing enough red blood cells.

In the case of the recalled products, the company clarified that daily exposure to the detected benzene levels during testing "would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences."

That said, the company is recalling all lots of the affected products: Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant Powder in 4-oz and 6-oz with UPC 079400751508 or 079400784902, and Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirant Fresh in 6-oz with UPC 079400785503.

The antiperspirant sprays, which had "limited distribution" at retail stores as well as online, have expiration dates through September 2023. Photos of the affected products are available at both the FDA and company websites.

"No other Unilever or Suave products are in the scope of this recall," the company noted.

Consumers who may have purchased an affected product are being advised to stop using it and instead dispose of it. The company will also be offering reimbursement for the recalled product.

Those with questions about the recall may contact Unilever at (866) 204-9756. Those who would like to determine if their product is a part of the recall and avail of the reimbursement may click the "Get Started" button at the bottom of this page.