Brut And Sure Benzene $3.65M Class Action Settlement (2023)

HRB Brands, also known as TCP HOT Acquisition LLC, has agreed to pay $3.65 million to settle a class action lawsuit that said the deodorant sprays “Brut and Sure” contain benzene.

The chemical component benzene can be found in crude oil and coal tar. It is also present in gasoline, paint thinner, and various polymers. It is thought to cause cancer in humans.If you breathe it in, you may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. If benzene comes into contact with the skin, it can cause irritation and dermatitis. Long-term exposure may lead to the development of leukemia, lymphoma, and malignancies of the blood and bone marrow.

The class actions contend that the promotion of several Brut and Sure antiperspirant products (Brut Classic (4 oz. or 6 oz. ), Sure Regular, and Sure Unscented) violated United States fair advertising laws. The lawsuit seeks, among other things, that such advertising be outlawed and that affected customers receive a portion of the money they spent on covered products refunded.

On February 16, 2022, HRB Brands recalled a portion of its aerosol spray due to the presence of benzene. Here is the official company statement regarding the recall.

“Benzene is not in any of the recalled items, but our investigation showed that it was in the propellant that made the products spray out of the cans in surprising amounts.”

FYI: Coppertone sunscreen, another product with a class action settlement, may also contain benzene, therefore it’s best to stay away from it.

Can I join the settlement?

The settlement is available to anybody who purchased Brut Classic (4 oz or 6 oz), Sure Regular, or Sure Unscented antiperspirant products between November 15, 2015, and October 28, 2022. Members who qualify must file a class action suit by the deadline, which is January 12, 2023.

Benefits

• Class members can request refunds for up to five products per household and a 10% sales tax allowance even without proof. The refund will be based on the retail price of the products.
• Class members who received refunds via voluntary recall are still eligible to receive the benefits of this settlement.
• Class members with proof of purchase can claim a full refund.

Any receipt/document showing the purchase of a product is eligible as “Proof of Purchase.”