Benzene Found in Popular Acne Treatments, Testing Firm Urges FDA Recall

Valisure, a Connecticut-based testing company, has discovered concerning levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, in several widely-used acne treatment products. This discovery was detailed in a citizen petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging the recall and suspension of benzoyl peroxide-containing products from the U.S. market. Among the affected brands are Proactiv, Clearasil, PanOxyl, and products by Clinique, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart. Valisure attributes the presence of benzene to the decomposition of benzoyl peroxide when mixed with other substances in the treatments, particularly under high temperatures, a condition that could occur during routine storage in bathrooms or vehicles.

The company’s testing revealed that some products could exceed the FDA’s conditional restriction of 2 parts per million (ppm) for benzene by over 800 times under certain conditions. Despite these findings, the FDA has stated that it needs to verify the data’s accuracy and reproducibility before taking regulatory action. Meanwhile, manufacturers like Reckitt (owner of Clearasil) and Sandoz have defended their products’ safety and efficacy.

This is not Valisure’s first encounter with potential carcinogens in consumer products; the company has previously identified benzene in sunscreens, hand sanitizers, and body sprays, leading to recalls and regulatory scrutiny. However, the clinical significance of benzene in acne treatments remains unclear, with health officials stating there is no evidence that conventional use increases the risk of blood disorders. Alternatives to benzoyl peroxide, such as salicylic acid, are available for acne treatment. Yale School of Medicine dermatologist Dr. Christopher Bunick, who collaborated with Valisure, emphasized the importance of formulation over benzoyl peroxide concentration in determining benzene levels.