Cancer-causing compound found in acne treatments

Researchers have sounded the alarm after discovering potentially hazardous levels of the carcinogen benzene in over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide.

In a study published in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the researchers analyzed 111 benzoyl peroxide-based acne treatments in order to quantify benzene levels.

The researchers found that more than one-third of the products contained benzene concentrations exceeding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s conditional limit. At high temperatures, some of the treatments formed high levels of benzene; however, cold storage was found to potentially hinder benzene formation.

The researchers advised patients using benzoyl peroxide-based acne treatments to refrigerate the products to prevent exposure to benzene. Regulatory actions may be needed to address the high levels of benzene found in both over-the-counter and prescription acne products.

Read more: The Journal of Investigative Dermatology

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