According to a new report, a dangerous chemical can form in some common over-the-counter products for acne treatment. An independent lab claims that certain over-the-counter acne treatment medications contain high levels of a carcinogenic chemical. According to a new report from the independent laboratory Valisure, the carcinogenic chemical benzene can be formed in some acne treatment products, as reported by CNN.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Medications containing benzoyl peroxide can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies. The substance works against mild acne by reducing bacteria and dissolving blackheads.
Now, Valisure’s report shows that high levels of the carcinogenic chemical benzene can form in products containing benzoyl peroxide.
Tests show that when acne medications with benzoyl peroxide are stored or handled at high temperatures, such as being left in a hot car reaching temperatures of about 65 degrees Celsius for 14 days, high levels of benzene can form.
In one test, the lab stored an acne product with benzoyl peroxide at 70 degrees Celsius for almost 17 hours and found that not only had benzene formed, but benzene gas was also found in the air around the product.
The lab also tested acne products with other active ingredients, such as salicylic acid and adapalene, and found that they did not seem to form high levels of benzene.
Benzene
Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with a gasoline-like smell and is formed from both natural and human processes, rapidly evaporating into the air. It is used in the production of other chemicals.
It is used in the manufacture of plastic, nylon, synthetic fibers and resins, as well as in the production of rubber, lubricants, dyes, cleansers, medications, and pesticides.
It is also used as a solvent in the pharmaceutical industry.
Request to FDA
Valisure has submitted a request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall and cease the sale of products containing benzoyl peroxide.
According to an FDA spokesperson, the agency has received Valisure’s request and will respond to it.
“The agency acts on information provided from a variety of sources, such as that provided by Valisure, but such information must be verified as accurate and reproducible before it can be used to make regulatory decisions such as recommending suspensions and recalls of product sales,” FDA said in a statement, as reported by CNN.
