A new study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology has raised alarms about the safety of popular acne products, many of which have been found to contain high levels of benzene, a known carcinogen. The findings highlight a significant health risk associated with these products, particularly as they are frequently used by teenagers and young adults. This is the second major analysis to reveal the presence of benzene in acne creams and cleansers, and it confirms concerns initially brought up by researchers earlier this year.
The Study and its Findings
Researchers tested over 100 benzoyl peroxide (BPO) acne products sold in major retailers across six states, uncovering that about one-third of these products were contaminated with benzene. Notably, products like Proactiv and CVS-brand face wash were found to contain benzene levels that far exceed the safety limits set by the FDA. Proactiv was found to have 18 times—18 times!— the amount of benzene allowed in U.S. drugs, while a CVS-brand face wash had 13 times the acceptable level. Such findings have led to increased calls for regulatory action and lawsuits to address this potential public health hazard.
What is Benzene and Why is it Dangerous?
Benzene is a colorless, light-yellow liquid at room temperature, but don’t let its harmless appearance fool you—this chemical is a serious health hazard. It’s a well-established carcinogen linked to various types of cancer, particularly leukemia and other blood-related disorders. Benzene can harm you through inhalation, ingestion, or even by being absorbed through the skin, making it particularly dangerous when found in everyday skincare products. Regular, repeated exposure—even at low levels—can disrupt normal cell function, damage bone marrow, and significantly increase cancer risk.
Think about it: this is a product designed to treat acne or cleanse the skin. It is hard to see a cancer risk, right? But it could potentially expose you to the same harmful substance that was at the center of the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit (our lawyers have learned a lot about Benzene in this litigation), where thousands of veterans and their families suffered due to prolonged benzene exposure in drinking water. And it’s not just Camp Lejeune—benzene has been a key issue in several recent lawsuits, from tainted sunscreen products to recalled antiperspirants. The fact that we’re now finding it in something as seemingly benign as acne cream is deeply troubling, raising serious questions about safety standards and regulatory oversight—better said, lack of oversight —in the cosmetics and personal care industry.
How Benzene Ends Up in Acne Products
The contamination of benzene in acne products is believed to be linked to the manufacturing process, particularly in products that contain hydrocarbons like benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in acne treatments because of its effectiveness in killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. However, the process of synthesizing benzoyl peroxide can sometimes result in the introduction of benzene as an unintended byproduct. Furthermore, when exposed to certain conditions such as high temperatures or ultraviolet light, benzene levels in these products can rise even higher, presenting additional risks for users.
Controversy and Pushback: Initial Findings and New Developments
This concern is not new. This study follows a previous analysis Valisure Lab, which initially raised the alarm about benzene in acne products earlier in the year. The initial findings received some criticism, as Valisure tested the products under conditions of high heat (around 122°F), which may have led to benzene levels that were not representative of typical use. In response to this feedback, researchers conducted the latest study at room temperature, which also went through the peer-review process to add more credibility to the findings.
Despite the more stringent testing methods used in the recent study, the results were still concerning. While some products—such as those by Clean & Clear and Neutrogena—did not exceed the FDA’s benzene limit of 2 parts per million under normal conditions, several others, including certain Clearasil products, were found to contain benzene just above the U.S. limit. This indicates that even without exposure to extreme heat, benzene contamination remains an issue for many products currently on the market.
Potential Implications for the FDA and Acne Product Manufacturers
The new findings have reignited pressure on the FDA to take action and enforce stricter regulations on skincare and acne products. The agency previously issued guidance to drug manufacturers in 2021. They were instructed to test certain products for benzene contamination. However, there has been criticism that the FDA has not done enough to monitor compliance or issue recalls for products that exceed safe levels. The FDA’s slow response has led to increased scrutiny and calls for more robust oversight and quicker action to protect consumers from harmful chemicals.
Consumer Safety and Awareness: What Can Be Done?
For consumers, the key takeaway is to stay informed and be cautious about the products they use. While it may not be practical to avoid all acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide, consumers can take steps to reduce their exposure. First, checking for product recalls and updates from trusted sources can help identify which products are safer to use. Second, limiting sun exposure after applying acne treatments and avoiding extreme heat conditions can help minimize any potential increase in benzene levels due to product instability.
Regular monitoring of health and being alert to any unusual symptoms, such as skin irritation or other allergic reactions, is also essential. Consulting with a dermatologist or healthcare professional can provide additional guidance on safer alternatives if necessary.
Legal and Financial Consequences for Manufacturers
As concerns over benzene contamination grow, manufacturers may face legal challenges if it is determined that they did not take adequate steps to ensure the safety of their products. Pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies have a legal responsibility to ensure that their products do not pose an unreasonable risk to consumers. Failing to do so could open them up to lawsuits, fines, and a loss of consumer trust.
If further research validates these findings, companies like CVS, Proactiv, and others should be forced to reformulate their products, recall contaminated batches, or even face class action lawsuits. We discuss the lawsuits we will see (and may also see) in a moment.
Moving Forward: Need for Greater Transparency and Regulation
This latest study is a reminder of the importance of transparency in the personal care industry and the need for stricter regulation and oversight. As more products are scrutinized, it will become increasingly critical for both manufacturers and regulatory bodies to work together to ensure that all skincare products on the market are safe for consumers.
Consumers should not have to worry about carcinogenic chemicals lurking in their acne treatments, and it’s up to both the industry and regulators to restore that trust. As the situation continues to develop, all eyes will be on the FDA to see how it responds and whether it will take stronger measures to protect public health in light of these alarming findings.
There will certainly be a consumer class action lawsuit. The question is whether cancer in specific patients can be linked to these medications. Our lawyers are not currently reviewing these lawsuits. But we will keep an eye on how the science develops.