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UPDATED MARCH 13, 2025Is there benzenea known carcinogenin acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide?
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Now, more details are emerging.
(Zapzyts recall was initiated after the brands own testing.)
It is important to note the recalls are being conducted at the retail level, not the consumer level.
This is key because benzene may form as benzoyl peroxide breaks down.
This was done out of an abundance of caution and the safety of our customers remains our top priority.
SLMD had not sent a statement toAllureon their voluntary recall by press time.
The FDA began testing benzoyl peroxide acne treatments after a study was published in theJournal of Investigative Dermatologylast fall.
Of course, that time is now.
(BPO is how chemists and dermatologists often refer to benzoyl peroxide.)
Far from it, benzene is a possible contaminant thats linked to cancer and blood disorders.
Why is there so much attention on benzoyl peroxide acne treatments right now?
(Valisure conducted this new research alongside professors from Yale and Long Island University.)
This second study was different from the first in that it was been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Another difference between the two studies is the way the benzoyl peroxide treatments were tested.
In the newer study, the products remained at room temperature.
The first study also found that benzene may be present in the airaroundthe products, not justinthem.
What is benzene?
As noted by the CDC, benzene is a chemical that can be manmade or formed naturally.
Benzene has been an issue in the beauty industry before.
In 2022,32 aerosol dry shampoos and dry conditioners were voluntarily recalleddue to possible benzene contamination.
Why is benzene in acne products?
Should we be worried?
That’s up for debate, depending on who you ask.
On one hand, benzeneisclassified as a carcinogen.
It’s not a, Maybe this is bad for you.
Benzoyl peroxide has been safely used in anti-acne products since the early 1970s.
The FDA alsoalertedmanufacturers of their responsibilities regarding assessing risk of benzene in their products.
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