Table of contents
- Latest Antiperspirant Deodorant Body Spray Lawsuit Updates
- May 4, 2022: Bloomberg Law Reports a Nationwide Settlement
- April 8, 2022: Panel Creates MDL 3025
- November 23, 2021: P&G Recalls Old Spice and Secret Aerosol Sprays
- November 4, 2021: Valisure Files a Citizen Petition
- October 1, 2021: Bayer Recalls Lotrimin and Tinactin Sprays
- September 30, 2021: Coppertone Recalls Aerosol Sunscreen Sprays
- What Is Benzene?
- Who May Be Affected?
- Reported Injuries or Damages
- Recall and Regulatory Background
- Evidence to Preserve
- Filing Deadlines
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Does the Research Say About Benzene in Body Sprays?
- Is Old Spice Deodorant Safe?
- Which Old Spice and Secret Sprays Did P&G Recall?
- How Do I Contact P&G About a Recalled Spray?
Aerosol antiperspirant and deodorant body sprays, including Old Spice and Secret, are the subject of a benzene lawsuit against Procter & Gamble. Consumers allege the company failed to disclose benzene in the sprays.
Federal cases were centralized as MDL 3025 in the Southern District of Ohio on April 8, 2022. Bloomberg Law reported a nationwide consumer settlement on May 4, 2022.
P&G recalled specific Old Spice and Secret aerosol sprays on November 23, 2021. Anyone who still has a recalled spray should stop using it.
Latest Antiperspirant Deodorant Body Spray Lawsuit Updates
May 4, 2022: Bloomberg Law Reports a Nationwide Settlement
According to an Ohio federal filing, Bloomberg Law reported that Procter & Gamble settled with consumers nationwide, resolving all claims in the multidistrict suit [1]. Preliminary approval filings were expected in June. No terms have been reported.
April 8, 2022: Panel Creates MDL 3025
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation created MDL 3025 in an Ohio federal court, finding the actions “involve common questions of fact” [2]. The order makes no finding that the products harmed anyone.
November 23, 2021: P&G Recalls Old Spice and Secret Aerosol Sprays
Procter & Gamble announced a voluntary recall of specific Old Spice and Secret aerosol antiperspirants and Old Spice Below Deck sprays. It covered all lots with expiry through September 2023, as posted by the FDA [3].
Consumers should stop using and appropriately discard the affected aerosol spray products. P&G said it had not received any reports of adverse events related to the recall.
November 4, 2021: Valisure Files a Citizen Petition
Valisure announced it had detected high levels of benzene in several brands and batches of antiperspirant and deodorant body sprays [4]. It filed a citizen petition with the FDA.
Valisure is an independent testing lab. The numbers in the petition belong to the lab and are not an FDA finding. The consumer suits that followed were later combined in MDL 3025.
October 1, 2021: Bayer Recalls Lotrimin and Tinactin Sprays
Bayer announced a voluntary recall of unexpired Lotrimin AF and Tinactin spray products because of benzene, as posted by the FDA [5]. Lot numbers begin with TN, CV or NAA.
September 30, 2021: Coppertone Recalls Aerosol Sunscreen Sprays
Coppertone announced a voluntary nationwide recall of specific lots of five aerosol sunscreen spray products because of benzene, according to the FDA notice [6]. This notice came before the Bayer notice and the Valisure petition.
What Is Benzene?
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), benzene is a colorless liquid with a petroleum-like odor. It evaporates into the air very quickly and dissolves in water [7].
It is highly flammable. ATSDR says benzene also comes from burning wood, volcanic activity, cigarette smoke and motor vehicle exhaust.
Who May Be Affected?
People who bought or used aerosol sprays sold as Old Spice, Secret, Pantene, Herbal Essence, Aussie, Waterless or Hair Food may be affected. The court’s MDL page names these brands as the at-issue aerosol products.
The recalled Old Spice and Secret sprays were sold nationwide in retail outlets and online. FDA’s posting says benzene exposure can occur by inhalation, orally and through the skin. Only a legal review can say whether you have a claim.
Reported Injuries or Damages
Plaintiffs allege that P&G failed to tell buyers about benzene in its aerosol sprays. The JPML order describes benzene as “a known human carcinogen that has been linked to leukemia and other cancers.”
That describes the allegations and makes no finding of injury in this litigation. No personal-injury cancer case has been reported in this litigation.
ATSDR says long benzene exposure can result in bone marrow cancers, including acute myelogenous leukemia. P&G said daily exposure at the levels it detected “would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.” That is a company statement.
The Valisure petition analyzed 108 unique batches from 30 brands. It reported that 24 lots from 8 brands contained 2.24 to 17.7 ppm of benzene.
Recall and Regulatory Background
FDA’s notice says benzene was detected in the affected P&G sprays. The recall also covered Old Spice Below Deck sprays. FDA states the recall was completed and terminated. A recall does not by itself establish liability.
Evidence to Preserve
Records about a spray you used can matter if a legal question comes up later. Keep these items in a safe place:
- Photos of the can showing the brand, product name, UPC code and lot or expiry date.
- Receipts, order confirmations or loyalty-card records that show where and when you bought it.
- Any recall refund or reimbursement confirmation you received.
- The product itself, if you still have it, stored safely.
- Medical records and test results for any condition a doctor links to benzene exposure.
- A written note of your usage dates and how often you sprayed it.
Filing Deadlines
Filing deadlines come from state law. They depend on where you live and when the exposure, illness or injury happened.
In some states, the clock starts at diagnosis. A missed deadline can end an otherwise strong claim. A lawyer can say which deadline fits your own case, so ask soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does the Research Say About Benzene in Body Sprays?
Valisure’s petition reported benzene in body sprays: 14 lots from 8 brands at 0.20 to 1.89 ppm. It found detectable levels in 21 lots and none in 49 lots from 19 brands.
Is Old Spice Deodorant Safe?
Old Spice deodorant outside the recall may continue to be used as intended, according to FDA’s posting of P&G’s notice. That covers all other Old Spice and Secret products, including solid sticks, soft solids and gels. To report a reaction to a spray, call FDA MedWatch at 1-800-332-1088.
Which Old Spice and Secret Sprays Did P&G Recall?
The P&G recall listed Old Spice Hardest Working Collection Inv Spray Stronger Swagger 3.8oz, Pure Sport Plus and Ult Captain. It also listed Secret Fresh Collection Inv Spray Light Essentials. Check the can for the product name and expiry date.
How Do I Contact P&G About a Recalled Spray?
To contact P&G about a recalled spray, call P&G Consumer Care at 888-339-7689. The line is staffed Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm EST.