Certain Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoos Contain ‘Dangerously High’ Levels of Carcinogen Benzene, Class Action Claims

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A proposed class action alleges Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo, including the original formula and extra strength variations, contains “dangerously high” levels of benzene, a known carcinogen.

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The 37-page lawsuit claims that by failing to disclose the presence of benzene in their shampoos, Neutrogena manufacturers Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue Inc. have “knowingly” and “negligently” exposed unsuspecting consumers to products that are “inherently defective, unreasonably dangerous, [and] not fit to be used for their intended purpose.”

According to the case, benzene is a chemical compound most commonly used to manufacture gasoline. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that benzene causes cancer in humans and has classified the substance as a “Class 1” solvent that should not be used to make drug products due to its toxicity, the filing relays.

Apart from cancer, exposure to benzene is known to cause vomiting, stomach irritation, dizziness, sleepiness, convulsions, irregular heartbeat, tissue injury, bone marrow damage, decrease in red blood cells, anemia, irregular menstrual cycles, low fertility and excess bleeding, the complaint notes.

“Because of its health effects, in 2011 the United States Environmental Protection [Agency] introduced regulations that lowered benzene content in gasoline,” the suit says. “Meanwhile, [the plaintiff] and other class members directly and unknowingly purchased [the defendants’ shampoo products] to apply to treat their scalps when the products contained undisclosed levels of benzene impurities.”

The case explains that the key ingredient in the Neutrogena shampoo products at issue—coal tar—contains benzene. However, the suit adds, benzene can be removed from coal tar using refining processes.

The complaint alleges that Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue failed to properly manufacture and monitor the coal tar in its Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo products, as evidenced by laboratory testing that found between 0.82 and 4.36 parts per million (ppm) of benzene in the items.

“Again, there should not be any benzene in coal tar shampoo products,” the filing says. “By comparison, [the defendants] or other firms recently recalled various sunscreen products for containing benzene levels up to 2ppm.”

The lawsuit looks to represent anyone in the United States and its territories who bought Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula or Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Extra Strength during the applicable statute of limitations period.

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