Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the U.S., affecting up to 50 million people per year in the U.S. Approximately 85% of adolescents experience the condition at some point.
Bloomberg reported that sales of over-the-counter U.S. acne treatments totaled $1 billion last year.
Acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide, which breaks down into benzene, are commonly recommended by dermatologists and health websites as an easily accessible over-the-counter treatment.
The American Academy of Dermatology guidelines strongly recommend benzoyl peroxide for treating acne topically.
Valisure tested dozens of prescription and over-the-counter products, including popular brands Proactiv, Clinique, Clearasil and Target Corp.’s Up & Up, and found they can contain “unacceptably high” levels of the carcinogen.
Testing also revealed that benzene levels increase when the products are handled or stored at higher temperatures — such as left in a hot car or stored in a steamy bathroom.
Popular Acne Treatments Used by Millions of Teens Contain High Levels of Chemical Linked to Leukemia
Bloomberg reported that sales of over-the-counter U.S. acne treatments totaled $1 billion last year.
Acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide, which breaks down into benzene, are commonly recommended by dermatologists and health websites as an easily accessible over-the-counter treatment.
The American Academy of Dermatology guidelines strongly recommend benzoyl peroxide for treating acne topically.
Valisure tested dozens of prescription and over-the-counter products, including popular brands Proactiv, Clinique, Clearasil and Target Corp.’s Up & Up, and found they can contain “unacceptably high” levels of the carcinogen.
Testing also revealed that benzene levels increase when the products are handled or stored at higher temperatures — such as left in a hot car or stored in a steamy bathroom.
Popular Acne Treatments Used by Millions of Teens Contain High Levels of Chemical Linked to Leukemia