Several popular acne treatments, including products from well-known brands like Clinique (Estee Lauder), Up & Up (Target), and Clearasil (Reckitt Benckiser), have been found to contain high levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene, according to independent US laboratory Valisure. The laboratory has filed a petition with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging the recall of these products, a thorough investigation, and a revision of industry guidance. Valisure’s findings also identified benzene in acne treatments from Proactiv, PanOxyl, Walgreens’ acne soap bar, and Walmart’s Equate Beauty acne cream, among others.
Valisure raised concerns that benzene could reach “unacceptably high levels” in both prescription and over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products. Reckitt Benckiser responded, stating that the findings reflected “unrealistic scenarios” and emphasized the safety of all Clearasil products when used as directed. Estee Lauder noted that Clinique’s use of benzoyl peroxide in one product was deemed safe for intended use.
Companies like Target and Walmart did not provide immediate responses to requests for comments from Reuters, and the FDA has not yet responded to Valisure’s petition. Benzene has been previously identified in various consumer products, leading to recalls by companies such as Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson. Valisure highlighted that the benzene detected in acne treatment products differs substantially from previous cases, as it originates from the benzoyl peroxide itself rather than contaminated ingredients. Valisure’s tests revealed that certain products could exceed the FDA’s concentration limit for benzene by more than 800 times.
