Sunscreen Specimen file

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray

Aerosol sunscreen voluntarily recalled in 2021 after benzene was found in it.

Reviewed Jul 5, 2026 by Trusted Labels Editorial Team

Recalls, lawsuits & findings 2 on file
Lawsuit · 2021 Benzene sunscreen class actions The recall triggered consumer class-action and personal-injury suits over undisclosed benzene; litigation is ongoing. Source →
Recall · 2021 · resolved 2021 benzene aerosol recall On July 14, 2021 Johnson & Johnson voluntarily recalled all lots of five Neutrogena/Aveeno aerosol sunscreens (including Beach Defense) after benzene was detected in finished product. Source →

Our take

Why It’s on Our Radar

We don't recommend it. It was recalled for benzene contamination and relies on chemical filters flagged for hormone-disruption. It is here as a cautionary reference, with cleaner mineral alternatives linked.

What's inside

Ingredients & Safety

A chemical-filter aerosol (homosalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone with alcohol and fragrance) that was recalled after benzene, a carcinogen not meant to be in it at all, turned up in testing.

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 15% (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 10% (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 15%
  • Octisalate 5%
  • Octocrylene 10%
  • 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

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

Ownership record Acquired
Founded
1930
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.

  • Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70

Evidence

Sources & Reports

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

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