Sunscreen Reviewed Jul 5, 2026

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray

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

Lawsuit · 2021

Benzene sunscreen class actions

The recall triggered consumer class-action and personal-injury suits over undisclosed benzene; litigation is ongoing.

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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.

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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:

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.

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.

Octisalate 5% — sometimes listed as Ethylhexyl Salicylate

UVB filter that also stabilizes avobenzone; generally considered lower-risk but not yet FDA GRASE-confirmed.

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.

Alcohol Denat. — sometimes listed as Denatured Alcohol

Can be drying; used as a solvent and preservative. Concern depends on concentration.

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

Safe Watch Caution
  • 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 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

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

Where to buy

Key Products

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