Sunscreen Specimen file

Aveeno Protect + Refresh Aerosol Sunscreen

The "gentle" Aveeno aerosol caught in the 2021 benzene sunscreen recall.

Reviewed Jul 5, 2026 by Trusted Labels Editorial Team

Recalls, lawsuits & findings 2 on file
Lawsuit · 2021 Benzene sunscreen class actions Ongoing consumer litigation over undisclosed benzene in the recalled sprays. Source →
Recall · 2021 · resolved 2021 benzene aerosol recall Recalled July 14, 2021 among five J&J aerosol sunscreens after benzene was detected in finished product. Source →

Our take

Why It’s on Our Radar

We don't recommend it. A benzene recall on a brand marketed as gentle, plus the usual chemical-filter stack: this is a cautionary listing, not a pick.

What's inside

Ingredients & Safety

A chemical-filter aerosol recalled for benzene contamination; the "Aveeno" name implies gentleness the formula and the recall don't support.

A couple to know 6 ingredients we flag
Watch Avobenzone 3% (sometimes listed as Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) The main UVA chemical filter; effective but photo-unstable unless stabilized; FDA lists it as needing more safety data.
Watch Homosalate 10% (sometimes listed as Homomenthyl Salicylate) UVB chemical filter the EU restricts to 7.34% in face products over endocrine questions; FDA says more data are needed.
Watch Octisalate 5% (sometimes listed as Ethylhexyl Salicylate) UVB filter that also stabilizes avobenzone; generally considered lower-risk but not yet FDA GRASE-confirmed.
Watch Octocrylene 3% (sometimes listed as Octocrilene) UVB/UVA filter that can slowly degrade into trace benzophenone over time; EU allows up to 10% and FDA seeks more safety data.
Watch Alcohol Denat. (sometimes listed as Denatured Alcohol) Can be drying; used as a solvent and preservative. Concern depends on concentration.
Watch Fragrance (sometimes listed as Parfum) Undisclosed scent blend that is a common allergen and irritant; choose fragrance-free for sensitive or reactive skin.

Ingredient list reviewed

  • Avobenzone 3%
  • Homosalate 10%
  • Octisalate 5%
  • Octocrylene 3%
  • Alcohol Denat. also listed as Denatured Alcohol, SD Alcohol Watch
  • Fragrance also listed as Parfum, Perfume Watch
  • Isobutane

Formula scope: the disclosed ingredient list captured for this review. Formulas can differ by product, scent, country, and date; compare the current package with this list before deciding.

Want another top-tier option? Stream2Sea in Sunscreen & Sun Care currently meets our top criteria. Review its formula scope and cited records before deciding.

Who owns it

Ownership & Independence

Aveeno is owned by Kenvue, spun out of Johnson & Johnson in 2023.

Ownership record Acquired
Founded
1945
Headquarters
Summit, NJ
Control
Owned by Kenvue (the Johnson & Johnson consumer-health spinoff)

Where to buy

Key Products

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions never influence scores.

Check the exact formula, size, seller, and availability on Amazon. Search links show results that may include other brands. Links open in a new tab.

Evidence

Sources & Reports

External references used in this review. Links open in new tabs.
news FDA: J&J voluntary recall (Neutrogena/Aveeno aerosols) www.fda.gov report Consumer Reports: benzene in Aveeno/Neutrogena sunscreens www.consumerreports.org

More in Sunscreen & Sun Care

Related Brands

All Sunscreen & Sun Care reviews →
Badger Second-generation family B Corp; a 4-ingredient, unscented 22.5% non-nano zinc sunscreen. Independent 10Safety /10 Stream2Sea A cosmetic chemist's aquatic-tested 19% non-nano zinc, EWG Verified and reef-focused. Independent 10Safety /10 Waxhead A 5-ingredient, non-nano zinc sunscreen from a family shop that EWG scores a perfect 1. Independent 9Safety /10