Benzene Found in Various Acne Products; Valisure Files Petition With FDA to Recall Treatments

High levels of the chemical benzene, which has been linked to cancer, were detected in numerous consumer acne products, including from major brands such as Proactiv, Clinique, and more.

High levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene were found in various benzoyl peroxide (BPO) acne products from major brands, including Proactiv, Clinique, Clearasil, and more.

Valisure LLC, an independent testing laboratory, filed a petition with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday, requesting a recall of treatments affected by elevated levels of the carcinogen in order to allow regulators to investigate.

Valisure tested 66 BPO products, including creams, lotions, gels, and washes that are available over the counter from main retailers or in prescription form. Currently, FDA guidelines allow up to 2 parts per million of benzene, and Valisure found acne products that contain up to 12 times the allowed amount. Additionally, the parts per million of benzene significantly increased when the acne products were tested at higher temperatures that were designed to replicate how the products can break down over time.