Banana Boat sunscreen recalled

Three aerosol products from the popular sunscreen brand Banana Boat are being recalled by the manufacturer due to possible health risks. If you have one of these sunscreens, you should stop using it and dispose of the product.

Which products are being recalled?

The three products being recalled are:

• Banana Boat Ultra Very High Protection Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+, AUST L 206508
• Banana Boat Simply Protect Kids Very High Protection Sunscreen Lotion Spray SPF 50+, AUST L 311003
• Banana Boat Dry Balance Very High Protection Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+, AUST L 342636.

All batches with an expiry date of 31 January 2024 or earlier should not be used. All unsold products in the affected batches will be removed from sale.

Why are they being recalled?

These aerosol sunscreens are being recalled because benzene, a potentially carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemical that is not a standard sunscreen ingredient, has been detected in four batches of the products supplied in Australia. 

The amount of benzene detected is slightly higher than the levels allowed in products of this type regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 

Exposure to benzene in these sunscreen products at the levels detected isn’t expected to cause serious adverse health effects. But the manufacturer has decided to recall all affected products as a precaution.

What should I do?

If you have one of these sunscreen products in your cupboard, you should stop using it and dispose of it. You can visit the Banana Boat website to fill out a form and apply for a refund. 

I’ve been using this product. Am I at risk?

The levels of benzene detected aren’t expected to cause serious adverse health effects. If you have any concerns or questions, speak to your health professional or contact the Edgewell Personal Care Consumer Service team on 1800 761 186 (free).

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Pru Engel

Pru Engel is the Audience and engagement editor at CHOICE. Her job is to ensure as many Australians as possible know about the great work we do at CHOICE.  She works closely with our testers and experts to find the gems of information in our data and research that will resonate with Australian consumers and help them make the best decisions, whether they're purchasing an air fryer, looking for a new mattress or trying to find the cheapest car insurance. She also helps to drive meaningful change for consumers by collaborating with our Campaings team on content covering issues such as product safety and scams.  Prior to CHOICE, Pru worked as an editor at many of Australia's leading food and lifestyle titles.  Pru has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Journalism) from the University of Technology, Sydney. Find Pru on LinkedIn.

Pru Engel is the Audience and engagement editor at CHOICE. Her job is to ensure as many Australians as possible know about the great work we do at CHOICE.  She works closely with our testers and experts to find the gems of information in our data and research that will resonate with Australian consumers and help them make the best decisions, whether they're purchasing an air fryer, looking for a new mattress or trying to find the cheapest car insurance. She also helps to drive meaningful change for consumers by collaborating with our Campaings team on content covering issues such as product safety and scams.  Prior to CHOICE, Pru worked as an editor at many of Australia's leading food and lifestyle titles.  Pru has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Journalism) from the University of Technology, Sydney. Find Pru on LinkedIn.