Valisure, a private lab, recently revealed that many popular acne products contain benzene, a known carcinogen, posing serious health risks to consumers. This shocking discovery has led to recalls and legal actions against numerous cosmetic brands. The presence of benzene in acne products, particularly those containing benzoyl peroxide (BPO), was brought to the attention of the FDA through a citizen petition filed by Valisure on March 5, 2024.
Valisure's research found that out of 99 BPO-based acne products tested, 66 contained benzene at high levels. These products, ranging from creams to gels and washes, were found to produce benzene when stored at temperatures higher than room temperature. Some well-known brands implicated in this issue include Proactive, Up & UP, Harris Wash, Clinique, Clearasil, La Roche-Posay, Panoxil, Sandra Lee MD, Walgreens, and Oxy.
The mechanism behind benzene formation involves the decomposition of benzoyl peroxide. Notably, benzene can be present not only within the product but also in the surrounding air, increasing the risk of inhalation exposure. This elevates the chances of benzene contamination even in people who do not use the product.
While the FDA regulates benzene in drug products, allowing a maximum concentration of 2 ppm, Valisure's study revealed concentrations up to 800 times higher in some products. Additionally, exposure to benzene levels exceeding EPA thresholds was observed when BPO-based products were subjected to high temperatures, such as those found in hot cars.
Benzene exposure can cause cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in humans. High levels of benzene inhalation or ingestion can lead to death.
Valisure has petitioned the FDA and requested for recalls and the suspension of sales of BPO-containing products to ensure consumer safety, in line with the FDA's mandate to oversee the safety of drugs in the United States.
Earlier, Valisure has identified benzene presence in various products like sunscreens, conditioners, shampoos, hand sanitizers and so on. These revelations have led to product recalls and lawsuits in the recent past. Let’s wait and see, if the current revelation of benzene in acne products will lead to lawsuits and recalls.
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