FDA: Any Deodorants that Contain Benzene Should be Trashed Immediately

By Yehudit Garmaise

Deodorants and anti-perspirants have long been suspected of containing cancer-causing substances, however, after benzene, a carcinogen, was found not in deodorant products themselves, but in the substance that propels the deodorant out of the spray cans of many deodorants, the products were voluntarily recalled.

In addition, the US Food and Drug Administration advised consumers to throw away immediate any those deodorants that contain benzene.

In November 2021, The Procter & Gamble Company voluntarily recalled many Old Spice and Secret aerosol spray antiperspirants the company detected benzene, which the company said exposure to which “can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life-threatening.”

Now, HRB Brands voluntarily recalled four different types of Brut deodorant sprays and two types of Sure antiperspirant sprays that contain benzene.

The 4 oz.  Brut Classic Antiperspirant Aerosol, the 6 oz. Brut Classic Antiperspirant Aerosol, 6oz., the 154 g container of Brut Classic Deodorant Aerosol, 154g, and the 10 oz. Brut Classic Deodorant Aerosol are the men’s products that were recalled. 

For women, the 6oz. regular and unscented antiperspirant aerosols of Sure deodorant were recalled. 

Symptoms of benzene poisoning include: drowsiness, dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, headaches, tremors, confusion, and unconsciousness.

For more information on the recall and possible refunds, readers can look on the website of HRB brands.

Photo by: Flickr