Should You Be Worried About Benzene in Your Skin Care Products?
In March 2024, Valisure, an independent pharmaceutical testing company, released a report revealing that several skin care products contained benzene at levels higher than the FDA's allowable limit.
Benzene is a known carcinogen, and although no safe level of benzene exposure is considered acceptable, the FDA permits a concentration of up to 2 parts per million (ppm) in certain products. However, Valisure's testing showed benzene levels far exceeded this threshold in several products.
How Does Benzene End Up in Skin Care Products?
Benzene is often found in products due to the breakdown of benzoyl peroxide (BPO), a common ingredient in over-the-counter acne treatments. Benzoyl peroxide is effective at treating acne, but it can degrade into benzene under certain conditions. Specifically, when products containing BPO are exposed to heat -- like the kind of warmth you might find in a bathroom -- more benzene can accumulate, increasing your risk of exposure.
Valisure tested seven different products containing benzoyl peroxide, including some popular over-the-counter creams and cleansers. Benzene was detected in all of them, and after being kept at temperatures ranging from 98.6 F to 158 F. It found that the levels of benzene increased to several times the FDA's allowable concentration.
Given that these products are widely used in the treatment of acne, this discovery is raising significant concerns. The question is: What does this mean for your health?
Should You Stop Using These Products?
Many of my patients have chosen to stop using benzoyl peroxide products altogether after hearing about these findings. However, there is some evidence suggesting that you might not need to be overly concerned -- at least not to the extent of stopping their use completely.
One study examined the serum levels of benzene in people who used benzoyl peroxide-containing products and compared them with people who had no exposure.
The study found no significant increase in the risk of lymphoma, leukemia, or harmful conditions, which are the primary health risks associated with benzene exposure. This suggests that, while benzene is present in these products, the actual risk may be minimal.
What Does This Mean for You?
While the presence of benzene in skin care products is concerning, it's important to put these findings into context. The FDA allows trace amounts of benzene in certain products, and the levels found in many of these acne treatments — although elevated under specific conditions — may not necessarily translate into a significant health risk for most people.
However, if you're still concerned, there are a few things you can do:
Be mindful of storage conditions: Avoid storing your skin care products in hot, humid places like your bathroom. Keeping these products at room temperature may help minimize benzene buildup.
Look for alternatives: If you're uncomfortable using products containing benzoyl peroxide, there are many other acne treatments available, including options with different active ingredients, such as salicylic acid, sulfur, or retinoids.
Monitor updates and regulations: Keep an eye on new studies and reports. As more research is done on benzene exposure from skin care products, additional regulations or recommendations may be issued.
The discovery of benzene in skin care products, particularly those containing benzoyl peroxide, raises important concerns. While the evidence on benzene's potential health risks in this context is not definitive, it is clear that more research is needed. For now, the best course of action may be to make informed choices based on your comfort level and to keep abreast of new studies and regulatory updates.
If you're unsure, consulting your dermatologist for personalized advice is always a good option.
Ultimately, the goal is to use products that not only treat skin concerns effectively but also keep your health and safety in mind. Stay informed and make decisions that best align with your skin and overall well-being.
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