FDA MedWatch – Scented Hand Sanitizers by Scentsational Soaps & Candles:

TOPIC: Scented Hand Sanitizers by Scentsational Soaps & Candles: Recall – Due to the Presence of Methanol (Wood Alcohol), Benzene and Acetaldehyde

AUDIENCE: Consumer, Health Professional

ISSUE: Scentsational Soaps & Candles is recalling 5 lots of Scentsational Soaps & Candles scented Hand Sanitizers from the Black and White Collection and Photo Real Collection and 3 lots of Ulta Beauty Collection scented Hand Sanitizer Spray packaged in 3.38 and 3.4 fluid ounce spray bottles. These products are being recalled after testing conducted by our firm revealed the presence of methanol (wood alcohol), benzene, and acetaldehyde. These products were distributed nationwide in the USA through Ulta Beauty, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls retail stores.

Substantial methanol exposure can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system, or death. Although all persons using these products on their hands are at risk, young children who accidentally ingest the products and adolescents and adults who drink the products as an alcohol (ethanol) substitute are most at risk for methanol poisoning. Exposure to benzene can occur through inhalation, oral, and skin. There is a reasonable probability that benzene present at levels above the maximum daily exposure recommendations can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life threatening. Additionally, animal studies have shown that acetaldehyde can possibly cause cancer in humans.

To date, the company has not received any reports of adverse reactions related to this recall.

For more details about the products being recalled, click on the red button “Read Recall” below.

BACKGROUND: These products are used as hand sanitizers and marketed to help decrease bacteria on the skin when soap and water are not available.

RECOMMENDATIONS: 

• Consumers, distributors and retailers that have the hand sanitizers which are being recalled should stop using, distributing and/or selling them and return them to the place of purchase.
• Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product.

Health professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

• Complete and submit the report online.
• Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.