On April 28, 2021, Scentsational Soaps & Candles, Inc. recalled 11 lots of their products Scentsational Soaps & Candles scented Hand Sanitizers and Ulta Beauty Collection scented Hand Sanitizer Spray because they may contain methanol, benzene, and acetaldehyde, which are toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.

The FDA first warned consumers about the possible presence of methanol and other toxic ingredients in certain hand sanitizers in June, 2020, and has continued to update consumers about potentially-affected products and recalls.

Recalled Scentsational Soaps & Candles, Inc. products (see images) were distributed nationwide through Ulta Beauty, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls retail stores. They can be further identified by the following information:

• Label: Ulta Beauty Collection. Scent: Fresh Lemon Scented Hand Sanitizer. Size: 3.4oz. UPC: 717897092017. Lot #s: 20357A, 20358B, 20363C. Distribution: Ulta Beauty in CA, IL, IN, PA, TX
• Label: SS Black and White Collection. Scent: Coconut Breeze Black and White Hand Sanitizer. Size: 3.38oz. Lot #: 20252. Distribution: TJ Maxx in IN, MA, NC, NV, TX; Marshalls in AZ, GA, MA
• Label: SS Black and White Collection. Scent: Eucalyptus & Mint Black and White Hand Sanitizer. Size: 3.38oz. Lot #: 20248. Distribution: TJ Maxx in IN, MA, NC, NV, TX; Marshalls in AZ, MA, VA
• Label: SS Black and White Collection. Scent: Lavender & Herbs Black and White Hand Sanitizer. Size: 3.38oz. Lot #: 20253. Distribution: TJ Maxx in IN, MA, NC, NV, TX; Marshalls in AZ, GA, MA, VA
• Label: SS Black and White Collection. Scent: Lemon Zest Black and White Hand Sanitizer. Size: 3.38oz. Lot #: 20255. Distribution: TJ Maxx in IN, MA, NC, NV, TX; Marshalls in AZ, MA, VA
• Label: SS Black and White Collection. Scent: SS Tangerine & Guava Black and White Hand Sanitizer. Size: 3.38oz. Lot #: 20254. Distribution: TJ Maxx in IN, MA, NC, NV, TX; Marshalls in AZ, GA, MA
• Label: SS Photo Real Collection. Scent: Coconut Breeze Photo Real Hand Sanitizer. Size: 3.38oz. Lot #: 20252. Distribution: TJ Maxx in IN, MA, NC, NV, TX; Marshalls in AZ, GA, MA
• Label: SS Photo Real Collection. Scent: Eucalyptus & Mint Photo Real Hand Sanitizer. Size: 3.38oz. Lot #: 20248. Distribution: TJ Maxx in IN, MA, NC, NV, TX; Marshalls in AZ, MA, VA
• Label: SS Photo Real Collection. Scent: Lavender & Herbs Photo RealHand Sanitizer. Size: 3.38oz. Lot #: 20252. Distribution: TJ Maxx in IN, MA, NC, NV, TX; Marshalls in AZ, GA, MA, VA
• Label: SS Photo Real Collection. Scent: Lemon Zest Photo Real Hand Sanitizer. Size: 3.38oz. Lot #: 20255. Distribution: TJ Maxx in IN, MA, NC, NV, TX; Marshalls in AZ, GA, MA, VA
• Label: SS Photo Real Collection. Scent: Tangerine & Guava Photo Real Hand Sanitizer. Size: 3.38oz. Lot #: 20254. Distribution: TJ Maxx in IN, MA, NC, NV, TX; Marshalls in AZ, MA, VA

Methanol, sometimes called wood alcohol, is poisonous. Methanol exposure through the skin or by ingestion can result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death. The FDA warned that consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol to "seek immediate treatment, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning."

The agency warned that while all individuals are at risk of harmful events if they use this product, those most in danger of methanol poisoning are children who accidentally ingest the hand sanitizer and adults who drink it as a substitute for ethanol.

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.

All individuals who have recalled hand sanitizer products should immediately stop using them and return them to the place of purchase.

Methanol is a different form of alcohol than ethyl alcohol. Hand sanitizer containing at least 60% ethyl alcohol is recommended by the CDC for disinfecting hands when soap and water are not available, and is generally considered safe when used as directed. See the CDC's website for more information about using hand sanitizer.

For more information, use the link below.

Scentsational Soaps & Candles, Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Scented Hand Sanitizers Due to the Presence of Methanol (Wood Alcohol), Benzene and Acetaldehyde

See related warnings:

Nine Hand Sanitizers May Contain Toxic Ingredient That Can Cause Serious Illness or Death

FDA Warns Makers of Four Hand Sanitizers, Two With Toxic Ingredient

FDA Warns Sellers of Three More Hand Sanitizers, One with Toxic Ingredient

Albek de Mexico Hand Sanitizer Contains Dangerous Ingredient

Hand Sanitizer Recalled Because Packaging Resembles Water Bottle

Durisan Recalls Hand Sanitizer Due to Microbial Contamination