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 a cleaner 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)

Products covered

Key Products

We don't link to buy products we flag. Read why above, or see Stream2Sea, which meets our top criteria.

  • Protect + Refresh Aerosol Sunscreen

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

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