Anew Analysis Finds Reckless Amounts of Cancer-Causing Chemical in Popular Acne Products
A new analysis has once again found that dozens of popular acne creams and cleansers contain “unacceptably high levels” of benzene, a cancer-causing chemical.
Researchers Test 111 Acne Products, Including Proactiv and Clearasil
Professors from Yale and Long Island universities, and a team from Valisure, a Connecticut-based laboratory, tested 111 benzoyl peroxide (BPO) acne products. They found that roughly a third of these products contain benzene, a known carcinogen that has been linked to leukemia and blood disorders.
BPO: A Topical Antiseptic Found in Creams and Face Washes
BPO is a topical antiseptic found in creams and face washes designed to combat pimples. However, the researchers discovered that benzene can be formed in these products under environmental conditions, presenting a potentially serious public health risk.
New Study Finds High Levels of Benzene in Popular Products
The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, reported that a CVS brand face wash contained 13 times the amount of benzene deemed safe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while Proactiv contained 18 times the acceptable limit.
Concerns Over Public Health Risk
Valisure co-founder and president David Light stated, “The discovery of benzene formation in benzoyl peroxide acne treatments presents a potentially serious public health risk. Our research demonstrates that these products, widely used by consumers of all ages, can potentially contain or generate concerningly high levels of benzene, particularly under common environmental conditions.”
FDA Regulation Not Implemented
The FDA does not regulate the levels of benzene in these products, leaving consumers exposed to potentially toxic levels of the chemical.
Previous Study Criticism and Methodological Improvements
Valisure filed a petition for recall with the FDA after testing 66 products with BPO as the main ingredient and finding up to 12 times the allowed amount. Detractors of the initial study noted that the samples were kept at high temperatures and the analysis was not peer-reviewed. However, the new study, which was peer-reviewed, kept the products at room temperature.
Conclusion
The latest analysis is a wake-up call for consumers, detailing the widespread presence of benzene in popular acne products. It is crucial that manufacturers and regulatory bodies take immediate action to address this issue and ensure the safety of consumers.
FAQs
Q: What is benzene?
A: Benzene is a known carcinogen linked to leukemia and blood disorders.
Q: How did the researchers test the products?
A: The researchers kept the products at room temperature and tested them for benzene levels.
Q: What were the findings?
A: Roughly a third of the products contain benzene, with some products containing levels up to 18 times the acceptable limit.
Q: What should consumers do?
A: Consumers should be aware of the potential risks and consider alternative products or consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice.
