You can watch the clip on YouTube: Certain Acne products can have Cancer causing chemical!
The Benzene Risk in Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Products
Recently, Valisure LLC, an independent testing laboratory, conducted comprehensive analyses on 66 Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) products, including creams, lotions, gels, and washes. Shockingly, these tests revealed benzene levels far exceeding the FDA’s permissible limit of 2 parts per million (ppm), posing significant health risks to consumers.
Understanding the Benzene Risk:
Benzene, a known carcinogen, was detected in BPO acne products, not due to trace contamination but rather to the decomposition of the active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide. Unlike in other topical products, where benzene presence was linked to trace contamination of propellants or residual solvents, Valisure’s study suggests that subjecting BPO formulations to elevated temperatures—ranging from 99 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit—might accelerate this decomposition reaction.
Insights on Product Stability Testing:
While Valisure’s stability testing aims to simulate product breakdown over time, it does not directly replicate consumer conditions, such as the effect of hot showers on products left in bathrooms. However, these tests offer a condensed version of potential degradation scenarios, including exposure to temperatures exceeding 150 degrees for extended periods.
What You Should Know:
- BPO products have been used for a long time without reported adverse effects. However, this doesn’t negate the associated risks.
What You Should Do:
- Discuss your concerns with your doctor or healthcare provider and explore alternative products.
- Discard old products that have been sitting on shelves.
- For those who need to use BPO products, store them in sealed containers in refrigerators to minimize decomposition.
- Using these products in small quantities may dilute the risks, but vigilance is still necessary.
- Stay informed about FDA announcements regarding BPO products.
Hopefully industry will be able to come up with better and safer formulations.
At the Allergy Immunology Clinic, patient safety is our priority. We are committed to storing products containing BPO in temperature-safe environments and will keep our patients informed about any developments regarding their safety.
