The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in coordination with Global Consumer Brands Inc., has issued a voluntary deodorant recall for several popular aerosol spray products due to the presence of benzene, a chemical classified as a human carcinogen. The recall affects specific lots of products sold nationwide, prompting concerns over consumer safety and chemical contaminants in personal care items.
Key Facts of the Deodorant Recall
| Key Fact | Detail |
| What Is Recalled? | Specific lots of aerosol deodorants under the EverFresh and ActiveGuard brands. |
| Reason for Recall | Internal testing found unexpected levels of benzene, a known human carcinogen. |
| Action for Consumers | Immediately stop using affected products and visit the company’s website for reimbursement. |
| Health Concern | Long-term exposure to benzene can increase the risk of leukemia and other blood disorders. |
Scope of the Recall and Affected Products
The voluntary recall, initiated by Global Consumer Brands Inc. after its own internal review, covers specific lots of its EverFresh and ActiveGuard aerosol spray deodorants. The company stated the issue stemmed from the propellant used in the aerosol cans and does not affect its solid stick, gel, or roll-on deodorant products.
A full list of the affected products, including their Universal Product Codes (UPCs) and lot numbers, has been published on both the FDA and the company’s websites.
“We are taking this action out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our customers,” said John Miller, CEO of Global Consumer Brands, in a statement released Friday. “We have initiated a full investigation into the cause of this issue and are working to remove all affected products from retail shelves.”
The Health Risks of Benzene Contamination
Benzene is a chemical that is widely used in the United States but is known to cause cancer in humans, particularly with long-term exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), benzene exposure can lead to leukemia and other cancers of the blood-forming organs.
While the FDA has not set a specific limit for benzene in cosmetics like deodorants, it states that such products should not contain any poisonous or deleterious substance. The agency’s guidance suggests that the presence of this carcinogen is unacceptable.
“Benzene is not an ingredient that is added to these products, but it can be a contaminant in the petroleum-derived raw materials, like the propellants that spray the product from the can,” explained Dr. David Chen, a senior toxicologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “While a single-use is unlikely to cause harm, repeated daily application of a contaminated product to the skin over years could pose a significant health risk.”
The FDA confirmed that it is investigating the matter. “The agency is working with the company to ensure all contaminated products are removed from the market,” said Dr. Lena Petrova, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response. “We urge consumers to check their products and follow the recall instructions. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.”
What Consumers Should Do Now
Regulators and the company have outlined clear steps for consumers who may have purchased the affected products.
1. Stop Use: Immediately cease using the recalled aerosol spray deodorants.
2. Check Your Product: Compare the UPC and lot codes on the bottom of your can with the list of recalled products available on the FDA and company websites.
3. Request a Refund: Consumers with affected products can visit the Global Consumer Brands recall website to submit a claim for reimbursement. Proof of purchase is not required.
4. Dispose of the Product: After noting the product details for your refund claim, you should dispose of the product as you would other household aerosol cans.
Consumer advocacy groups are monitoring the situation closely. “Consumer Safety Watch, a nonprofit organization, called the finding of benzene contamination “deeply concerning” and indicative of a larger problem in the cosmetics supply chain.
“This deodorant recall is another alarm bell,” said Sarah Jenkins, the group’s executive director. “Consumers have a right to expect that the products they use every day are safe. We need more stringent, independent testing before these products ever reach store shelves.”
The recall comes after similar incidents in recent years where benzene was detected in other aerosol consumer products, including sunscreens and dry shampoos, leading to large-scale recalls and increased regulatory scrutiny.
The FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the contamination and whether other products may be affected. Global Consumer Brands has set up a consumer hotline and a dedicated website to handle recall-related inquiries and refund requests.
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