Unilever agrees to $2 million settlement over benzene-tainted SUAVE deodorant

Unilever has agreed to pay a $2 million settlement to resolve allegations that its Suave brand aerosol deodorant was contaminated with benzene, a known carcinogen. The settlement comes after consumers were allegedly exposed to harmful chemicals in products purchased between January 1, 2018, and March 7, 2024.

The class action lawsuit alleges that Unilever's Suave 24 Hour Protection Powder Aerosol Antiperspirant and Suave 24 Hour Protection Fresh Aerosol Antiperspirant contain benzene, posing a risk to consumers. Although it did not admit any wrongdoing, Unilever initiated a recall of the products involved in March 2022 after the contamination was discovered. Exposure to benzene has been linked to leukemia and other serious health conditions, raising serious concerns about consumer safety.

Under the terms of the settlement, affected consumers do not need to provide proof of purchase to receive compensation. Claimants who can provide proof of purchase are entitled to a full refund of the products purchased, while claimants without proof can receive a refund of $3.29 per product, up to three products per household, equivalent to the average retail price. The total award amount may be adjusted based on the number of claims filed to ensure that all available settlement funds are equitably distributed.