Old Spice Deodorant Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Old Spice Deodorant Lawsuit Overview

The Old Spice deodorant lawsuits center around findings of high levels of benzene, a cancer-causing chemical, in numerous antiperspirant and body spray products.

Primary allegations against manufacturers include failure to warn consumers about the presence of this toxic substance and negligence in product safety testing.

Valisure, an independent pharmacy, identified dangerous levels of benzene in multiple body spray products that may cause leukemia and other forms of cancer.

Latest Old Spice Deodorant Lawsuit Updates

• November 4, 2021 – Valisure announced it had found high levels of benzene in numerous brands of body spray and deodorant spray products, including Old Spice, Secret, Suave, Tag, and others. As a result, Valisure filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [1], calling for Old Spice deodorant and body spray to be recalled.
• October 2021 – Bayer AG pulled Lotrimin and Tinactin sprays used for athlete’s foot and jock itch after tests indicated that the products contained benzene [2].
• September 2021 – Beiersdorf AG recalled certain Coppertone sunscreen sprays due to benzene contamination [3].

FDA Reports and Statistics

The FDA doesn’t have a clear benzene threshold in products. Its guidance for drugs is that benzene levels can reach up to 2 parts per million only if its use in manufacturing is unavoidable for a product that represents a significant therapeutic advance. Valisure has asked the FDA to set clear benzene guidance [4].

Valisure found benzene levels of tens of millions in the antiperspirant and deodorant sprays. Yale University’s Chemical and Biophysical Instrumentation Center confirmed the presence of benzene in a sampling of the sprays through separate tests.

The FDA said last month it tested Artnaturals hand sanitizers and also found benzene as well as other contaminants. The agency advised consumers in early October not to use any Artnaturals products.

Which Antiperspirants Have Been Found to Contain Benzene?

• Old Spice
• Secret
• Tag
• Sure
• Walmart’s Equate
• Suave
• Right Guard
• Brut
• Summer’s Eve
• Power Stick
• Soft & Dri
• Victoria’s Secret
• And more

What is Benzene?

Benzene is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in the environment and can be manufactured synthetically as well, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This sweet-smelling chemical compound is colorless or slightly tinged yellow in its liquid form and is extremely flammable.

Considered an aromatic hydrocarbon, benzene products are toxic substances that have been found to cause a wide variety of adverse side effects and complications in individuals that have been exposed to high concentrations of the chemicals for long periods of time.

Old Spice Deodorant Injuries & Side Effects

Exposure to benzene in antiperspirant products has been linked to serious health complications, particularly affecting the blood and immune systems.

Serious side effects of benzene exposure include:

• Leukemia and Lymphoma: Benzene is a known carcinogen that affects blood cell formation
• Blood cancers of the bone marrow: Extended exposure can lead to cellular mutations
• Blood disorders: Various blood-related conditions can develop from benzene exposure
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Fast-progressing cancer affecting bone marrow
• Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML): Slow-developing form of leukemia
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Cancer affecting lymphoid line of blood cells
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Slow-progressing cancer affecting white blood cells
• Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL): Rare blood cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Cancer originating in the lymphatic system
• Multiple Myeloma: Cancer of plasma cells
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDL): Bone marrow disorder
• Myelofibrosis and Myeloid Metaplasia: Scarring of bone marrow
• Aplastic Anemia: Bone marrow failure condition
• Thrombocytopenic Purpura: Blood clotting disorder
• Chemical burns: Direct skin damage
• Hair loss: From chemical exposure
• Skin reactions: Various dermatological issues
• Skin irritation: Redness, itching, or rash

Do You Qualify for an Old Spice Deodorant Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an Old Spice deodorant lawsuit if:

• You used Old Spice deodorant or antiperspirant spray products regularly
• You experienced serious side effects including leukemia, blood disorders, or significant skin reactions
• Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to benzene exposure from these products

Evidence Required for an Old Spice Deodorant Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, you will need to provide:

• Medical records documenting your diagnosis and treatment
• Proof of product purchase (receipts, bank statements)
• Documentation of regular use of affected products
• Timeline connecting product use to symptom development

Damages You Can Recover

Potential compensation in an Old Spice deodorant lawsuit may include:

• Medical expenses for past and future treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering damages
• Punitive damages against manufacturers

Read more: Chicago Benzene Exposure Lawsuit

Other Products Recalled for Benzene Contamination

The antiperspirant sprays are just the latest in a string of aerosol products found to contain benzene, including sunscreens and antifungals.

Johnson & Johnson recently issued a nationwide recall for Neutrogena and Aveeno brand aerosol sunscreen sprays.

Beiersdorf AG recalled certain Coppertone sunscreen sprays in September 2021.

A month later, Bayer AG pulled Lotrimin and Tinactin sprays used for athlete’s foot and jock itch after tests indicated that the products contained benzene.

Other benzene lawsuits:

• Chicago Benzene Lawsuit
• St. Louis Benzene Lawsuit
• Philadelphia Benzene Lawsuit
• Las Vegas Benzene Lawsuit

Statute of Limitations for Old Spice Deodorant Lawsuits

The time window to file an Old Spice deodorant lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury discovery.

It’s critical to consult with an attorney promptly as these deadlines are strictly enforced and can permanently bar your right to compensation if missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is the Main Claim in Old Spice Deodorant Lawsuits?

The primary claim in Old Spice deodorant lawsuits centers on the presence of benzene, a known carcinogen, in their products. Plaintiffs allege that manufacturers failed to adequately test their products for contaminants and failed to warn consumers about potential cancer risks associated with regular product use.

2. How Much Benzene Was Found in Old Spice Products?

According to Valisure’s testing, benzene levels in the tens of millions of parts per million were detected in some antiperspirant and deodorant sprays. The FDA’s guidance suggests benzene should not exceed 2 parts per million, and only if unavoidable in manufacturing essential medications.

3. What Compensation Might I Receive From an Old Spice Benzene Lawsuit?

Compensation typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. The exact amount varies based on injury severity, medical costs incurred, impact on quality of life, and strength of evidence linking the product to your injuries.

4. How Long Do Benzene Lawsuits Typically Take to Resolve?

Most product liability lawsuits like these take between 1-3 years to resolve, though some complex cases may take longer. Factors affecting timeline include case complexity, number of plaintiffs, strength of evidence, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.

5. Will This Be Handled as a Class Action or Individual Lawsuit?

Currently, both individual lawsuits and potential class actions are being explored. Severe injury cases (like cancer diagnoses) are typically handled as individual lawsuits, while cases involving economic losses or minor injuries may be consolidated into class actions.

6. What Is Procter & Gamble’s Response to These Allegations?

Procter & Gamble spokesman Damon James stated: “We go to great lengths to ensure our products are safe to use, and tens of millions of men use this product with confidence and without incident every year. A small number of men may experience irritation due to alcohol sensitivity, a common ingredient used across virtually all deodorant products.”

7. Do I Need Receipts to Prove I Used Old Spice Products?

While receipts strengthen your case, they aren’t always required. Evidence like product packaging, photographs, testimony from family members about your product use, and credit card/bank statements showing purchases from appropriate retailers can also help establish product usage.

8. Can I Still Use My Old Spice Products?

As a precautionary measure, legal and medical experts typically advise discontinuing use of any products identified in Valisure’s report as containing benzene until further testing and FDA guidance is available. Alternative products without benzene contamination are recommended.

Get A Free Old Spice Deodorant Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action regarding Old Spice deodorant injuries. Most states impose a strict statute of limitations of only 2-3 years from the date of injury discovery, after which your right to compensation may be permanently lost.

Our experienced attorneys offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for our services
• Payment only if we win your case

References:

1. https://www.valisure.com/blog/valisure-news/valisure-detects-benzene-in-body-spray-products-2
2. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bayer-issues-voluntary-recall-specific-lotriminr-and-tinactinr-spray-products-due-presence-benzene
3. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/coppertoner-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-specific-lots-pure-simple-spf-50-spray-2021-launch
4. https://www.valisure.com/valisure-newsroom/fda-citizen-petition-6-benzene-in-body-spray-products