TRENDING

Skincare girlies, watch out: According to a new study from the independent lab Valisure, high levels of benzene (a chemical that can cause cancer) can form in acne treatment products that contain benzoyl peroxide.

According to the report, benzene "can form at unacceptably high levels" in benzoyl peroxide products (both prescription and over-the-counter). Other acne products containing salicylic acid or adapalene did not form benzene.

But don't freak out: The study tested products that were stored and handled at high temperatures, so unless you're leaving your acne products in a hot car in the sun for a few days at the time, they're probably safe.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Bloomberg Business (@bloombergbusiness)

On Tuesday, Valisure sent a petition to the FDA asking them to "request recalls and a suspension of sales for products containing the active pharmaceutical ingredient benzoyl peroxide.” The FDA responded on Wednesday with a statement saying, "The agency acts on information provided from a variety of sources, such as that provided by Valisure, but such data must be verified as accurate and reproducible before it can be utilized to make regulatory decisions such as recommending product sale suspensions and recalls. The agency will continue to provide updates to the public regarding benzene in drug products, as appropriate."

So what does this *really* mean for all the girls using benzoyl peroxide acne products? The bottom line is don't fret just yet, but be cautious.

While we wait for more info from the FDA, take extra precautions when storing your benzoyl peroxide products. Avoid placing them in sunlight, rooms with restricted airflow or any place with fluctuating temps (yep, that includes your bathroom—thanks to the steam from the shower). And be extra careful when traveling, as exposure to high temps in cars or airplanes could be dangerous.

 Your best bet is to stash your benzoyl peroxide products in a cool, dark place—like a drawer in your bedroom vanity.

@skinsitive

Keep reading for more health info:
✨ Here's why vaping is more dangerous than you might think
✨ Your ultimate guide to wisdom teeth removal
✨ How to build a balanced girl dinner

Slider image: @beautysquare.ke
Top image: @self.london

by Ava Slocum | 3/8/2024