On November 23, Proctor & Gamble recalled specific Old Spice and Secret spray deodorants and Old Spice Below Deck spray with expiration dates through September 2023 after benzene was found.
The recall was announced soon after Valisure, an independent lab based in Connecticut, reported that dozens of antiperspirant sprays contained benzene, likely due to the use of butane as a propellant.
Benzene is a chemical that is believed to cause cancer. People who use the recalled spray deodorants could be exposed to benzene by breathing it in the air, absorbing it through the skin, or swallowing it.
No adverse events were reported, but exposure to benzene “can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life-threatening,” according to the recall notice.
The following products are included in the recall:
| UPC | Description |
|---|---|
| 012044001912 | Old Spice High Endurance AP Spray Pure Sport 12/6oz |
| 012044044759 | Old Spice Hardest Working Collection Inv Spray Stronger Swagger 3.8oz |
| 037000729747 | Old Spice Hardest Working Collection Inv Spray Pure Sport Plus 12/3.8oz |
| 037000730347 | Old Spice Hardest Working Collection Inv Spray Stronger Swagger 12/3.8oz |
| 037000749479 | Old Spice Hardest Working Collection Inv Spray Ult Captain 12/3.8oz |
| 037000695714 | Old Spice Below Deck Powder Spray Unscented 12/4.9oz |
| 037000695707 | Old Spice Below Deck Powder Spray Fresh Air 12/4.9oz |
| 037000586906 | Secret Aerosol Powder Fresh Twin Pack |
| 037000711087 | Secret Aerosol Powder Fresh 12/6OZ |
| 037000711094 | Secret Aerosol Powder Fresh 12/4OZ |
| 037000723721 | Secret Fresh Collection Inv Spray Waterlily 3.8oz |
| 037000729860 | Secret Fresh Collection Inv Spray Lavender 12/3.8oz |
| 037000729914 | Secret Fresh Collection Inv Spray Water Lily 12/3.8oz |
| 037000729921 | Secret Fresh Collection Inv Spray Light Essentials 12/3.8oz |
| 037000798842 | Secret Fresh Collection Inv Spray Rose 12/3.8oz |
| 037000747642 | Secret Outlast Inv Spray Completely Clean 12/3.8oz |
| 037000747727 | Secret Outlast Inv Spray Protecting Powder 12/3.8oz |
| 012044048535 | Old Spice Pure Sport 2021 Gift Set |
P&G is asking consumers with questions to call the Consumer Care team at 888-339-7689 from Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 6:00pm EST. Consumers can also visit www.oldspice.com or www.secret.com for more information, or to learn how to receive reimbursement.
Pictures of Secret spray deodorants recalled for benzene.
Pictures of Old Spice products recalled for benzene.