Suave Antiperspirant Lawsuit Filed Over Contamination With Cancer-Causing Chemicals

Deodorant sprays are one of a number of consumer products which have been revealed to contain the cancer-causing chemical in recent months.

A class action lawsuit has been filed against consumer goods giant Unilever, alleging the manufacturers’ failure to properly screen its products has exposed customers to cancer-causing chemicals, after a new report confirmed Suave deodorants and antiperspirants contain dangerous levels of benzene.

The complaint (PDF) was filed earlier this month by Yvonne Barnes and Patricia Dean in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, seeking class action status to pursue damages for themselves and others who purchased the popular deodorant sprays.

The Suave lawsuit was filed after the release of a report by the independent, online pharmacy Valisure on November 3, which found dangerously high levels of benzene in deodorants and body sprays including Suave, Old Spice, Secret and Tag. Shortly after the report was released, the organization also filed a citizen’s petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, calling for a deodorant recall of the affected products.

Benzene is an industrial chemical that has been associated with the development of several fatal forms of cancer, leukemia and other conditions, such as AML, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL), Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDL), Myelofibrosis and Myeloid Metaplasia, Aplastic Anemia and Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

The lawsuit joins a growing number of Old Spice benzene lawsuits filed recently which also seek class action status to bring compensation benefits to consumers nationwide.

The deodorant lawsuits also follow the identification of benzene in many sunscreen spray products earlier this year, which led to a number of consumers filing similar sunscreen cancer lawsuits and class action claims against Johnson & Johnson, as well as other manufacturers.

Learn More About

Sunscreen Recall Lawsuits

Leukemia, lymphoma and other cancer may be caused by benzene in Neutrogena, Aveeno, Coppertone and other sunscreens.

Learn More About this Lawsuit SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION

Barnes and Dean indicate they consistently purchased and used various Suave antiperspirants multiple times per year over the last several years, without being warned they could be exposing themselves to well-documented carcinogens. Unilever has been accused of engaging in fraudulent, deceptive and misleading practices, which have caused consumers across the nation to purchase the benzene-contaminated Suave antiperspirant sprays, resulting in chemical exposures that may cause cancer.

The lawsuit against Suave alleges that consumers would have chosen an alternative deodorant and antiperspirant if they had known about the risk of benzene exposure, and certainly would have have paid the high prices charged for the products.

The FDA categorizes benzene as a Class I Solvent, which should not be used in the making of drug products because of its toxicity. However, if a product must contain benzene, it should be limited to 2 parts per million (ppm).

Sunscreen Benezene Lawsuits

Following similar findings by Valisure of benzene in aerosol sunscreen spray products earlier this year, a number of popular products have been recalled, including Neutrogena, Aveeno, Coppertone and other widely used brands.

Johnson & Johnson issued the Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreen spray recall in July 2021, after confirming known human carcinogens was present in its products. At least eight class action complaints have been filed against the company, each raising similar allegations that Johnson & Johnson endangered consumers’ health by not warning them of the presence of benzene in brands of Neutrogena and Aveeno spray sunscreen, which could increase their risk of cancer.

Late last month, Johnson & Johnson and Costco announced they had reached a settlement agreement to resolve the cases. However, the details of the sunscreen settlement agreement have not yet been revealed and the deal has not been finalized.

Over the last year, benzene contamination has been found in many common consumer products resulting in a Bayer Lotrimin and Tinactin antifungal sprays recall, Artnaturals hand sanitizer recall, and Blistex Odor-Eaters recall

48 Comments

  • SharonNovember 22, 2022 at 2:12 pm

    I have used Suave spray deodorant for years. I was diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Had surgery and radiation. I have a can I had been using, with the serial number recalled on it. Please contact me about this lawsuit!!

  • RobinSeptember 14, 2022 at 10:39 am

    I have been using the Suave deodorant baby powder aerosol for many years. I am allergic to many brands and Suave is the only one I don't have a reaction to. I can only use the aerosol though because the roll on irritates my skin. Now knowing that it has been recalled I am extremely worried

  • TammyJuly 12, 2022 at 5:01 am

    Been using this since I was 10 and know I’m 52. This has also been linked to my severe breathing issues and congestive heart failure. And also my asthma. So someone better be compensating me as well. Yes, I do have medical records.

  • JoseJune 13, 2022 at 3:30 pm

    I have been using Suave deodorant for many years and was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

  • christineJune 1, 2022 at 8:01 pm

    I have used suave deodorant plus my daughter for many many years. In 2019, I was diagnosied with DCIS....I still have over 10 cans of deodorant in my position...ths is horrible!

  • TracieMay 31, 2022 at 8:18 am

    Ive been using this product since 1983. What the heck????

  • DianneMay 24, 2022 at 12:24 am

    I have been using this for many many years before. Before this I used secret. I was wondering why they had discontinued this. At which time I found out that it has Been recalled due to benzene in it.

  • RobertMay 22, 2022 at 6:00 pm

    Have been using the Suave Baby Powder Deoderant Spray since highschool. Thats 30 years. I have some lumps in and around my armpits. Will be seeking medical attention to diagnose the lumps.

  • AmyMay 22, 2022 at 1:59 pm

    I have been using this product for years matter fact I saved the twin pk I had bought already used whole can when info on recall came out my doctors have been testing and testing doing scopes you name to find a bleed as I have aniema getting iron infusions blood work is crazy off some kind blood disorder this may explain it I see a oncologist rt now trying to find out what is going on so yes lawye[Show More]I have been using this product for years matter fact I saved the twin pk I had bought already used whole can when info on recall came out my doctors have been testing and testing doing scopes you name to find a bleed as I have aniema getting iron infusions blood work is crazy off some kind blood disorder this may explain it I see a oncologist rt now trying to find out what is going on so yes lawyer needs add me to case.....

  • RandallApril 23, 2022 at 3:55 am

    I've used this product for multiple years.

  • Eduvegis (Vicky)April 21, 2022 at 7:34 pm

    I have used Suave Deodorant for years and I got a can right here with me as well. Recently got diagnosed with breast cancer and in process to get my port put in for chemotherapy, have a lumpectomy done and radiation right after within the next week. I've never been sick and to find this out.... Well it's just devastating.

  • CandaceApril 19, 2022 at 4:39 pm

    Is this what happened to me

  • KarenApril 16, 2022 at 12:28 pm

    I have one of the recalled Suave Fresh antiperspirant deodorant lot #09181RD00 Exp:09/2023 02:04 I have used this and the Powder scent All My Life I am Highly Upset With This !!

  • ChadwickApril 15, 2022 at 10:03 am

    I’ve been using this for the last fifteen years….that’s y my armpits r always itching n I have a large lump right above my left shoulder. I also have a can in my bathroom now that I’ve been using. Wow!!!!

  • HeatherApril 5, 2022 at 4:53 pm

    I just learned about this lawsuit and I currently have a can in my home that I have been using for months with the expiration date September 2023. A few months ago I developed a blistering itchy red rash that looks like a chemical burn, in 34 years I've never had a rash under my armpit, after much research and countless remedies I'm certain the Suave deodorant spray that was recalled (the one I ha[Show More]I just learned about this lawsuit and I currently have a can in my home that I have been using for months with the expiration date September 2023. A few months ago I developed a blistering itchy red rash that looks like a chemical burn, in 34 years I've never had a rash under my armpit, after much research and countless remedies I'm certain the Suave deodorant spray that was recalled (the one I have) is the reason. I'm furious I now have this horrible itchy rash under my armpit. This information should have been released sooner. I've been using this deodorant everyday without hesitation because I always use Suave spray so it never occured to me, my rash was from my deodorant. I'm furious. Anyone has any information about the lawsuit???

  • YosethApril 3, 2022 at 1:46 am

    I have been using Suave deodorant for several years. Recently Diagnosed with breast cancer going through chemotherapy.

  • Tizianatrent@yahoo.comApril 2, 2022 at 8:49 pm

    I have been using suave for over 15 years and about 10 months ago I was diagnosed with AML lukemia…It’s hard for me to lift my arms

  • AdaniviaApril 2, 2022 at 12:17 pm

    I have been using suave deodorant spray for over 30 years .This is ridiculously that we hear about this now..

  • ValerieApril 2, 2022 at 9:16 am

    Me and my kids have been using forever. This is crazy smh.

  • ChristineApril 1, 2022 at 11:02 pm

    My husband has been using this for over 20 years & we are so upset hearing this news! Please contact us to be part of this lawsuit!

  • PatriciaApril 1, 2022 at 6:02 pm

    I have used suave and secret all my life. I am 52 years old. I have had CLL for 15 years. How do I contact someone about this?

  • DianaApril 1, 2022 at 5:15 pm

    I just found out I have Bone Marrow Cancer and Blood Cancer it’s a rare cancer can we sue this company? I just found out 2 weeks ago

  • VevMarch 23, 2022 at 11:58 pm

    Me and my 12yr old daughter have used this for YEARS. I would always buy the twin pack.

  • MichelleMarch 21, 2022 at 10:54 pm

    I have been using Suave aerosol for over 20 years due to it is the only one keep me dry under my arms. I have been having chest pains lately and this is going to make me setup a appointment to get checked for cancer.

  • DavidMarch 20, 2022 at 11:32 pm

    Been using both Sauve and Secret aerosol deodorants for years. I ended up here searching to find out where Sauve was produced because I couldn't find the "Made In _____", on the can antwhere.

  • LoraMarch 18, 2022 at 11:27 pm

    I have been using this also for a very long time. Know it explains to why I haven't been able to find it. This makes me very sad.

  • JimMarch 17, 2022 at 12:27 am

    I am in the same boat as everyone else. I’ve been using suave powder deodorant anti-per sprint for years. Why have we not heard anything about this sooner.

  • MelissaMarch 16, 2022 at 9:52 pm

    I’ve been using this for 25 years now. My mom uses it and she had breast cancer. My chest has been killing me, I have 4 more months until I can get a mammogram. Where do we sign up for this class action suit??

  • LakeishaMarch 15, 2022 at 4:32 pm

    I’ve been using this for 46years and my daughter.

  • ShannonMarch 15, 2022 at 8:33 am

    Wow,, I have been using this deodorant for years!... I can't believe this!...

  • SalvatoreMarch 15, 2022 at 7:48 am

    Wow unbelievable me ,my wife and all my kids all use it for over 25 years it's the only thing that works for us had no idea it was recalled until I google suave because I couldn't find it in the store smh 😑

  • MaureenMarch 14, 2022 at 12:16 pm

    I just started using spay deodorant (dove, suave, secret, sure I never used it before) in late 2020 and all of 2021 and was just diagnose with breast cancer in both breast and now just going through Chemotherapy. It really scary what some products can do, wish I never started using it.

  • PatriciaMarch 13, 2022 at 8:39 pm

    I have been using Suave aerosol (fresh) deodorant for at least 30 years. Unfortunately, it is the only thing that works for me - which is why I had to make the difficult choice of a deodorant that actually worked, over the ozone layer. In fact, the only reason I am on this site now is because I was so distraught not being able to find aerosol deodorant in quite awhile - I was desperately going [Show More]I have been using Suave aerosol (fresh) deodorant for at least 30 years. Unfortunately, it is the only thing that works for me - which is why I had to make the difficult choice of a deodorant that actually worked, over the ozone layer. In fact, the only reason I am on this site now is because I was so distraught not being able to find aerosol deodorant in quite awhile - I was desperately going to search for it online. But found this instead.

  • DanielleMarch 13, 2022 at 8:41 am

    I also have used this deodorant for over 20yrs and I have breast cancer now had surgery & just finished a month of radiation. I still have a long road ahead of me and we have no cancer in my family so I wonder if this was caused by my deodorant.

  • MistiMarch 10, 2022 at 5:13 pm

    So, suave & secret have the same recalls for this chemical. I have been using both aerosol deodorants & have used them for over 30 years. Very disappointing news. Only ones that worked!!

  • TMarch 10, 2022 at 12:49 am

    I have used Suave deodorant for 20 plus years. In 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a lumpectomy. Following my surgery I had to have 6 weeks of radiation, followed by five years of taking a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator, which has caused me numerous side effects. I have been using Suave deodorant since my surgery; this is a frightening thought.

  • MesaqueMarch 9, 2022 at 11:42 pm

    I am completly scared by this information. I've been usind suave aerosol deadorant since forever...and now knowing that my deodorante might be the cause of my health conditions for the past few years. And now what to do?? Going to my regular physician and tell him about it and do more exames..who is going to pay for that??? Unbelievable!!@

  • JanetMarch 9, 2022 at 11:19 pm

    For months just like so many others on here have been looking for the suave powder fresh spray deodorant and thought maybe they went out of business due to covid. As everyone else I tried to buy it on Amazon and couldn't find t on there I turned to Google. Seeing all of this is terrifying. Considering I have used this exact deodorant since I was 12 years old and turning 40 in may is extremely sc[Show More]For months just like so many others on here have been looking for the suave powder fresh spray deodorant and thought maybe they went out of business due to covid. As everyone else I tried to buy it on Amazon and couldn't find t on there I turned to Google. Seeing all of this is terrifying. Considering I have used this exact deodorant since I was 12 years old and turning 40 in may is extremely scary. And to think I have used it on my 4 year old son at times is horrific.

  • CharlesMarch 2, 2022 at 5:25 pm

    My wife and I have been using suave spray deodorant for 20 years. I developed thyroid cancer about 10years . And my wife was diagnosed with myelofibrosis and after a long battle, passed away 2 years ago. It’s so rare, they didn’t understand where she got it. I guess now we know.

  • AprilFebruary 27, 2022 at 12:30 am

    I been using this deodorant for over 20 yrs, just curious what's going to happen to all us people that's been using this product for so long

  • ChrissieFebruary 22, 2022 at 7:38 pm

    Wow I've been using this for over 20 years and on my children too

  • LisaFebruary 20, 2022 at 2:20 pm

    This just scares me! Last year I was having a cough that I could not get rid of. Almost like something was irritating me. I use the suave aerosol deodorant twice a day! I stopped when I noticed it could be the culprit. My cough is gone! Now I see this information! I'm furious!

  • CarrieFebruary 18, 2022 at 10:22 am

    I have been looking for this deodorant for a while and can't seem to find it. I've always used suave aerosol deodorant and I just decided to Google to find out why I can't get it and I'm taking it this is the reason. I'm still using suave just not the aerosol and I'm wondering what to do now just change deodorants after all these years? Sincerely, Carrie Jo Andrews

  • CHRISFebruary 17, 2022 at 2:41 pm

    Have been using Suave Aerosol for over decade. Will have to watch closely for further updates.

  • EricaFebruary 6, 2022 at 7:20 pm

    My family has used this for years! I went to 4 different stores today trying to find it. So I got on the internet and starting searching and it let me here😳

  • VirginiaFebruary 6, 2022 at 3:52 pm

    I also was trying to buy my Sauve spray deodorant and see there is a class action suit. I have been using it since it first came out and no idea how long ago that even was. That is down right scary to know it is cancer causing. What happens now?

  • ShevettaFebruary 3, 2022 at 2:48 pm

    We have been using Suave aerosol deodorant for over 6 years. When we couldn't find it to buy anymore we Googled it to buy online and see there is a recall and a class action suit against it.

  • MichelleJanuary 29, 2022 at 6:12 pm

    I have been using Suave aerosol deodorant for at least the last couple of years. When I could not find it to buy anymore I Googled it and see there is a recall and a class action suit against it. What should I do? Some of my kids were exposed too after going into the bathroom after I used the spray deodorant.

Share Your Comments

I authorize the above comments be posted on this page*

Want your comments reviewed by a lawyer?

To have an attorney review your comments and contact you about a potential case, provide your contact information below. This will not be published.

NOTE: Providing information for review by an attorney does not form an attorney-client relationship.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

More Top Stories