Acne Products: Benzene Found in Acne Remedies Raises Concerns
Connecticut: A new report has revealed that some products used to treat acne contain a significant amount of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer.
According to media reports, a private laboratory, Valisure, analyzed several products containing benzoyl peroxide in the United States, finding elevated levels of benzene.
Benzene, a Known Carcinogen
Benzene is a known carcinogen associated with leukemia and other blood disorders. It is commonly used as a solvent in products such as cigarette smoke, gasoline, glue, cleaning products, and paint thinners.
The laboratory studied formulations containing benzoyl peroxide directly or obtained through prescription and found them to be inherently unstable. Moreover, they observed that these products release benzene at higher temperatures or during storage at dangerous levels.
Valisure stated in their released statement that benzene could form in such products and potentially be present in ambient environments.
The analysis encompassed 175 products, with benzoyl peroxide found in 99 and benzene detected in 94. The laboratory has also petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to remove such products from the market.
This alarming discovery raises serious concerns about the safety of commonly used acne treatments and emphasizes the importance of rigorous testing and regulation in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.