High levels of benzene, a cancer-causing chemical, have been discovered in various acne treatment products, including those from popular brands such as Clinique, Clearasil, Target’s Up & Up, and Walmart’s Equate Beauty acne treatment. The alarming findings were reported by Connecticut-based lab Valisure, which detected ‘unacceptably high levels’ of benzene in several over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide. In some cases, the products contained more than 800 times the federally recommended limit.

As a result of these findings, Valisure has taken action by filing a petition with the FDA, urging the agency to recall the affected products, conduct a formal investigation, and revise industry guidance. This comes after the lab previously found benzene in 70 percent of tested dry shampoos, indicating a widespread presence of the harmful chemical in consumer products.

Benzene is classified as a volatile organic compound and is known to evaporate into the air. It is a recognized carcinogen and is listed as a ‘Class 1 solvent’ by the FDA due to its unacceptable toxicity. Prolonged exposure to benzene can have severe health effects, causing cells in the body to function improperly and potentially leading to conditions such as anemia and blood cancers like leukemia. Additionally, it can adversely impact the immune system.

The discovery of high levels of benzene in widely used acne treatment products raises concerns about the safety and regulation of consumer goods. With Valisure’s call for FDA intervention and product recall, the spotlight is now on the need for stricter oversight and monitoring of potentially harmful chemicals in everyday skincare and personal care items.