According to an independent U.S. lab report, high levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene have been identified in certain acne treatments, including products from Estee Lauder’s Clinique, Target’s Up & Up, and Clearasil owned by Reckitt Benckiser.
Soap bubbles in a hand – illustrative photo. Image credit: Matthew Tkocz via Unsplash, free license
The U.S.-based independent laboratory Valisure has filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging the recall of these products, an investigation, and the revision of industry guidance.
Estee Lauder shares experienced a 2% decline following the news.
Valisure detected benzene not only in Clinique, Up & Up, and Clearasil but also in Proactiv, PanOxyl, Walgreens’ acne soap bar, and Walmart’s Equate Beauty acne cream, among others.
The lab also highlighted the potential formation of benzene at “unacceptably high levels” in both prescription and over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products.
Reckitt responded, stating that the findings reflected unrealistic scenarios and maintained the safety of Clearasil products when used as directed.
Estee Lauder stated that Clinique employs benzoyl peroxide in one of its products, asserting that it is “safe for use as intended.”
What is benzene, why is it dangerous to humans?
The carcinogenic compound, benzene, has previously been identified in various consumer products like sunscreens, hand sanitizers, and dry shampoo, prompting recalls by companies including Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson.
However, Valisure noted that the detection of benzene in acne treatment products differed significantly from previous cases, emphasizing that in benzoyl peroxide products, benzene originates from the benzoyl peroxide itself. Valisure’s tests revealed that certain products could exceed the FDA’s concentration limit for benzene by over 800 times.
Benzene is a colorless liquid with a sweet odor and is a natural component of crude oil. It is used in the production of various chemicals, including plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber, dyes, detergents, and pharmaceuticals. While benzene has industrial applications, it is considered hazardous to human health due to its toxic properties.
Benzene is harmful because it is a known carcinogen, meaning it has been proven to cause cancer in humans. Prolonged exposure to benzene has been linked to various types of cancers, including leukemia and other blood-related disorders. It can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies benzene as a Group 1 carcinogen to humans, indicating sufficient evidence of its carcinogenicity. The primary health risks associated with benzene exposure include the development of cancers, particularly in the blood-forming organs.
In addition to its carcinogenic effects, benzene exposure can cause other health issues, such as damage to the bone marrow, leading to decreased production of blood cells. Short-term exposure to high levels of benzene can result in symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and drowsiness.
Due to its well-established health risks, regulatory agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have established guidelines and permissible exposure limits to protect workers and the general public from excessive benzene exposure in occupational and environmental settings.
Written by Alius Noreika