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.