Can Your Acne Cream Be Linked to Cancer? A Closer Look at Benzene Risks

Many people rely on over-the-counter acne creams and treatments to keep their skin clear, but recent findings have raised concerns about a potential hidden danger. A U.S. independent testing lab, Valisure, discovered high levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, in several popular acne treatments, including products from brands like Proactiv, Clinique, and Target’s Up & Up line. This has sparked concern over the safety of these widely-used products.

Let’s explore what benzene is, why it’s dangerous, and how it has ended up in acne creams that so many people trust.

What Is Benzene?

Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor. It is naturally present in the environment, found in crude oil, volcanoes, forest fires, and cigarette smoke. It is also used in the manufacturing of various industrial products like chemicals, plastics, and detergents.

Why is benzene harmful?

• Benzene is classified as a carcinogen, meaning it has been linked to cancer.
• Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene can cause leukemia, a form of blood cancer (CDC).
• According to the FDA, benzene should not be used in the production of drug products due to its unacceptable toxicity.

Even low levels of benzene can pose risks. The EPA reports that exposure to as little as 0.4 parts per million (ppm) of benzene increases the risk of cancer, leading to one additional cancer case per 100,000 people (Daily Mail).

Valisure’s Findings on Acne Products

Valisure tested 66 acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide, a common ingredient used to treat acne. Their findings were alarming, revealing that many of these products contained benzene at levels far beyond what is considered safe.

Key findings from Valisure’s testing (Reuters, Bloomberg):

• Proactiv’s 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream had 1,761 ppm of benzene nearly nine times the allowed limit.
• Clinique’s acne treatment contained 401 ppm of benzene.
• Clearasil, another popular brand, showed 308 ppm of benzene when tested at high temperatures.
• Benzene was also found in other brands like PanOxyl, Walgreens’ acne soap, and Walmart’s Equate Beauty acne cream.

The FDA allows up to 2 ppm of benzene in drug products, but Valisure found levels far exceeding this limit, raising concerns about the safety of these treatments.

Why Does Benzene End Up in Acne Creams?

According to David Light, president of Valisure, benzoyl peroxide can decompose into benzene over time, especially when exposed to high temperatures. This is concerning because products like acne creams can be subjected to heat in everyday situations such as sitting in a hot car or taking a steamy shower.

Light explained to CBS News that while benzene in other products like sunscreen comes from contaminated ingredients, in acne treatments, the benzene comes from the breakdown of benzoyl peroxide itself.

FDA Response and Industry Reactions

Valisure filed a petition with the FDA, asking for an investigation and a recall of the products with high levels of benzene. In its statement, Valisure emphasized that these acne products contain “unacceptably high levels” of the carcinogen and need immediate regulatory action.

FDA’s stance:

• The FDA stated that while it takes concerns from labs like Valisure seriously, all data must be verified before the agency can take action, such as recalling products or halting sales (CBS News).
• The agency also noted that it will keep the public informed about the presence of benzene in drug products as necessary.

Brand responses:

• Reckitt, the manufacturer of Clearasil, maintained that their products are safe when used and stored as directed. They claimed the test results represented “unrealistic scenarios” rather than real-world conditions.
• Estee Lauder, the parent company of Clinique, stood by their product, stating that it was safe for use as intended (Reuters).

Despite these assurances, the findings affected stock prices, with shares of Estee Lauder, Reckitt, and Proactiv’s parent company all experiencing drops after the reports were made public (Bloomberg).

Should You Be Concerned?

The discovery of benzene in acne products is concerning, especially for consumers who use these treatments regularly. According to U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro, these findings highlight the need for stronger regulations and faster responses to potential health threats. DeLauro emphasized that millions of consumers are unknowingly exposing themselves to carcinogens by using benzoyl peroxide products (Bloomberg).

While the FDA has not yet issued a recall, consumers may want to be cautious and consider alternatives until more information is available.

Conclusion

The discovery of benzene in popular acne treatments is a significant concern, especially given the health risks associated with long-term exposure to the chemical. Valisure’s findings shed light on a hidden danger in many over-the-counter products. Until regulatory bodies like the FDA take action, it’s crucial for consumers to stay informed and make safe choices when selecting acne treatments.