Benzene testing results
In their detailed report, Valisure uncovered benzene in several batches of Thriving Brands antiperspirants and deodorants commercialized under the Right Guard brand that exceeded FDA safety standards.
- Right Guard Sport, Fresh, Up to 48 HR Odor Protection - 2.61ppm / 5.00 ppm
Two more batches had benzene contamination below 2 ppm:
- Right Guard Sport, Powder Dry, Up to 48 HR Odor Protection - 1.46 ppm
- Right Guard Sport, Fresh, Up to 48 HR Odor Protection - 0.91 ppm
However, contamination wasn't an issue for all Right Guard products, as one batch didn't show any traces of benzene.
- Right Guard - Sport, Original, Up to 48 HR Odor Protection
Benzene isn't an ingredient that manufacturers use in their deodorants' formulation, with contamination more than probably resulting from the propellants used in aerosol sprays, like propane, butane, isobutane, alcohol, and hydrofluorocarbon 152a.
Thriving Brands didn't voluntarily recall its contaminated products
In the aftermath of Valisure's report publication, unsuspecting consumers increasingly began filing class action lawsuits against the liable deodorant manufacturers. Progressively, companies like Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and HRB Brands started recalling their contaminated products, commonly citing their "abundance of caution."
Despite this, several manufacturers, including Thriving Brands, chose not to issue voluntary recalls, seemingly placing profits ahead of consumer safety.
Thriving Brand's liability
Although benzene contamination was probably unintentional, it does not absolve manufacturers of their responsibility to provide safe products. Given its lack of interest in addressing the problems reported about its offerings, Thriving Brands leaves itself open to several strict liability, product liability, and negligence claims, such as:
- defective design
- manufacturing defect
- failure to warn
- improper warning labels
- consumer fraud
- deceptive trade practices
- negligence per se
- gross negligence
- fraudulent concealment
- fraudulent misrepresentation
- negligent misrepresentation
- breach of implied warranties
