Study Finds Cancer-Causing Benzene in Numerous Popular Acne Creams
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Independent lab Valisure found concerning levels of the carcinogen benzene in numerous popular acne creams like Clinique, Proactiv, and Clearasil. Levels were up to 12 times FDA limits.
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Benzene was forming from the main acne-fighting ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, not just contamination. Levels found could be over 800 times FDA limits.
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Other affected products included PanOxyl, Walgreens acne soap bar, and Walmart's Equate acne cream. Brands like Estee Lauder and Reckitt did not yet comment.
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Benzene was also detected in the air around some incubated acne products, posing a potential inhalation risk.
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Valisure filed an urgent petition with the CDC over the findings, which were called "substantially different" from previous benzene detections like in sunscreens.