Acne Treatments Under Scrutiny: Cancer-Linked Chemical Found in Popular Brands

📝 SUMMARY: An unsettling discovery has emerged in the skincare industry, with popular acne treatments, including well-known brands such as Proactiv, Clearasil, and products from Target Corp. ($TGT) and Clinique ($EL), found to contain alarming levels of benzene, a chemical linked to cancer. This revelation came from Valisure, a Connecticut-based independent laboratory known for its rigorous consumer product testing. In a recent petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Valisure has called for an immediate recall of the affected products, all of which share benzoyl peroxide as their active ingredient.

The presence of benzene in consumer products is not new; it has previously been detected in hand sanitizers, sunscreens, and dry shampoos, raising significant concerns about the potential health risks lurking in everyday items. Valisure's findings have reignited debates over the FDA's oversight capabilities and the safety protocols employed by product manufacturers. The laboratory tested 66 benzoyl peroxide-based products, finding benzene levels up to nine times higher than the FDA's allowable limit in some instances. Remarkably, these levels increased further when products were exposed to high temperatures, simulating conditions like those in a steamy bathroom where these items are commonly stored.

This is not the first time Valisure has uncovered potential carcinogens in consumer products. Their most notable investigation led to the recall of the heartburn medication Zantac and its generics in 2020, after detecting NDMA, another probable carcinogen. Valisure's proactive approach to consumer safety, through partnerships with large healthcare systems and rigorous product testing, has positioned the lab as a critical watchdog in the healthcare industry.

The implications of these findings are far-reaching, affecting millions of Americans who rely on these treatments to manage acne, the most common skin condition in the U.S. With the skincare market, particularly acne treatment products, experiencing significant growth, the call for stricter regulatory oversight and improved safety testing protocols has never been more urgent. Valisure's recent petition underscores the need for immediate action to protect consumers from potential harm, challenging both the industry and regulatory bodies to prioritize public health above all.

🔍 SOURCE: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-06/cancer-causing-chemical-found-in-acne-creams-including-proactiv-clearasil?srnd=homepage-americas