New Investigation Finds Cancer-Causing Chemical In Some Acne Treatments

Independent U.S. laboratory Valisure discovered elevated levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene in certain acne treatments from brands such as Estee Lauder’s Clinique, Target’s Up & Up, and Clearasil owned by Reckitt Benckiser. Valisure has submitted a petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, urging the regulator to recall the implicated products, initiate an investigation, and update industry guidelines.

Following the detection of benzene in certain acne treatments, Estee Lauder’s shares witnessed a 2% decline. Proactiv, PanOxyl, Walgreens’ acne soap bar, and Walmart’s Equate Beauty acne cream were among the products identified by Valisure as containing benzene.

The independent laboratory stated that benzene could reach “unacceptably high levels” in both prescription and over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products. While Reckitt dismissed the findings as reflecting “unrealistic scenarios,” Estee Lauder affirmed the safety of Clinique’s benzoyl peroxide product when used as intended. The FDA is yet to respond to Valisure’s petition.

Speaking on the matter, Valisure Co-Founder and President David Light shared, “The benzene we found in sunscreens and other consumer products were impurities that came from contaminated ingredients; however, the benzene in benzoyl peroxide products is coming from the benzoyl peroxide itself.”