Acne Products Contain Benzene | Toxic Exposure Lawsuits
The Lyon Firm is investigating new reports that acne products and other skincare treatments contain benzene, a known carcinogen. Our toxic exposure and defective product lawyers are reviewing cancer cases linked to contaminated cosmetics and acne products. Contact our legal team for a free consultation.
Benzene Found in Acne Treatment Products
After testing hundreds of consumer acne treatments, an independent testing laboratory concluded that several major brands are selling products that contain high levels of benzene. The lab, Valisure, thoroughly tested benzoyl peroxide (BPO) acne products, including Proactiv, Clinique, Clearasil, and others.
The cancer-causing chemical was allegedly detected at more than 800-times the federal concentration limit in dozens of acne treatments. Unfortunately, this is not the only report of benzene found in various consumer products. Earlier lab testing showed potentially unhealthy levels of the benzene in antiperspirants, aerosol sprays, hand sanitizers, sunscreens and dry shampoos.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer after using skincare treatments, acne products or other contaminated cosmetics, contact our lawyers to learn more about your legal options.
Which Acne Products Contain Benzene?
Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) containing products are often used topically for acne vulgaris, folliculitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and rosacea. Most of the acne products in question can be obtained over-the-counter, though there are also some BPO prescription treatments.
Valisure included 66 acne treatments which it found had elevated levels of benzene in a petition filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many of the acne products are sold by Target, Walgreens and CVS, and many under popular brand names like Clearasil, Proactiv, Clinique, PanOxyl, Neutrogena, La Roche Posay, Clean & Clear, Clear Pore, Dr. Lin and Acne Free.
Other brands named in the petition included the following: Harris, Sandra Dee M.D., Galderma, Vie Naturelle, Ecuate, Differin, Humane, Oxy, Encube, Nixa Skincare, Dr. Song, CeraVe, Mylan, Zapzyt, Urban Skin Rx, Rugby, Perrigo, Glenmark, Oceanside, Teva, Sandoz, Replenix, Prasco, M.A.D Skincare, Aspexia and Daylogic.
Since an investigation is ongoing, any product that contains BPO should be treated with concern. Consumers should consult with their dermatologist before stopping any treatments, but should begin to ask important questions about the safety of certain acne treatments.
The Valisure petition urges the FDA to recall the toxic products and conduct its own consumer product safety investigation. The benzene the company found in the benzoyl peroxide acne products is supposedly coming from the benzoyl peroxide itself.
Making matters worse, the lab determined that benzoyl peroxide breakdown into benzene was accelerated by exposure to elevated temperatures. The gaseous form of benzene was even found to penetrate through sealed packaging, creating an inhalation risk. Acute or chronic exposure to any carcinogen will raise the cancer risk of individuals. The CDC has said there is no safe level of exposure to cancer-causing substances.
Valisure’s testing looked at benzene in the air surrounding acne treatments and found that an unopened Proactiv product leaked high levels of benzene when kept at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, around the same temperature of a hot shower. The bathroom is a logical place to keep such products, which makes this a relevant part of the testing process.
What is Benzene?
Benzene is a naturally-occurring compound that can cause leukemia and other blood cancers in high doses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Just in the last few years, benzene has been detected in several popular household products. Large corporations like Johnson & Johnson, Unilever and Procter & Gamble have recalled products due to the presence of the toxin.
Current FDA guidelines allow up to 2 parts per million of benzene, but Valisure found some acne products that contained 12 times the allowed amount. The parts per million of benzene significantly increased when the products were tested at higher temperatures that were designed to show how the products can break down over time. Some of the acne products in question include:
- Proactiv 2.5% BPO cream
- Up & Up 2.5% BPO cream
- Walgreens 10% BPO bar
- Harris 10% BPO wash
- Clinique 2.5% BPO cream
- Clearasil 10% BPO cream
- La Roche-Posay 5.5% BPO cream
- PanOxyl 10% BPO cream
- Sandra Lee MD 2.5% BPO lotion
- Oxy 10% BPO cream
- Galderma 5% BPO cream
- Equate 10% BPO cream
- Differin 5% BPO cream
- CeraVe 4% BPO cream
- Sandoz 5% BPO gel
- TARO 2.5% BPO gel
- Neutrogena 10% BPO gel
Does Benzene Cause Cancer?
Delayed cancer risk is a concern for many consumers that have used acne products and other contaminated skincare products. Researchers have linked low-level chronic benzene exposure to an increase in mortality. Millions of consumers have used or currently use over the counter or prescription acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide.
Companies that produce, market and distribute products to consumers have a duty to ensure they are safe. It is unclear why none of these companies had their products tested before this report was published. It is even possible that some of these companies did test their products for potential toxins or contaminants and simply chose not to warn the public about their findings.
The Lyon Firm is investigating toxic exposure and product liability cases on behalf of plaintiffs nationwide. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a cancer after years of exposure to a contaminated acne product or another toxic skincare product, you may be able to file a claim. Contact our lawyers to discuss legal action and to learn more about how to protect yourself from toxic consumer products.
Why Hire The Lyon Firm?
We have the resources, experience and dedication to take on difficult product liability cases on behalf of consumers who are injured by a defective product. It doesn’t seem like it is too much to ask for individuals: to trust that corporations properly test their products before they are released to the general public. Unfortunately, our lawyers are forced to engage several companies each year due to poor quality control measures and corporate negligence.
We have settled numerous toxic exposure lawsuits for our clients, and have obtained six and seven-figure compensation packages. By filing a product liability claim, you may be able to recover rightful compensation and hold any negligent company accountable for your illness or injury. Call now for a free and confidential consultation.