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.

1. Prime Acne Products under FDA Scan for High Benzene
Presence
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.
https://www.lezdotechmed.com/

2. 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.
https://www.lezdotechmed.com/