Some Acne Creams Found to Contain Known Carcinogen Free

High levels of the carcinogen benzene were found in more than a third of benzoyl peroxide–based acne products tested in a recent study (J Invest Dermatol 2024 Oct 7 [Epub ahead of print]). Benzoyl peroxide can break down into benzene, which increases the risk of leukemia and should not exceed concentrations of 2 parts per million (ppm) in drug products, according to the FDA. Of the 111 over-the-counter products tested, all of which are available at major U.S. retailers, 38 had average benzene levels above 2 ppm at room temperature, as measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Several facial cleansers produced by Proactiv had a benzene concentration over 27 ppm, and one from CVS Health measured at 26 ppm. The average benzene level across all 111 products was 3.4 ppm; the median was 0.9 ppm.