Some acne creams in the US contain carcinogenic ingredients

Several brands of skincare creams have been found to contain high levels of cancer-causing agent benzene. These brands include Este Lauder’s Clinique, Target’s Up & Up, and Reckitt Benckiser’s Clearasil. This information was disclosed by the United States laboratory Valisure.

According to Reuters news agency, Valisure has filed a petition with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. The petition calls for the removal of these products from the market, investigation, and revision of industry policies. This information was revealed from a laboratory in New Haven, Connecticut-based test.

This news has caused a 2% drop in Este Lauder’s share price. Additionally, Valisure has reported finding benzene presence in several other creams. These brands include Pro-Activ, PanOxyl, Walgreens’ brand of acne cream, and Walmart’s Equate Beauty brand.

Valisure has stated that these benzene-containing creams for treating acne could contain significantly higher levels of benzene, as much as what is found in products mentioned in doctor’s prescriptions, as well as those directly sold in stores.

In response, Reckitt Benckiser has stated in a release that the laboratory’s report did not reflect the actual situation. They further stated that their Clearasil products are safe to use as directed.

Este Lauder has mentioned that benzoyl peroxide is used in only one of Clinique’s products. It is safe to use as directed.

Reuters reached out to Target and Walmart regarding this matter, but they did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has not commented on this issue.

Previously, cancer-causing agents were found in various companies’ consumer products such as sunscreen lotions, sanitizers, and dry shampoos. Consequently, products from companies like Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson were pulled from the market. However, Valisure has stated that the presence of benzene in acne treatment creams is different from previous incidents. David Light, co-founder and president of the company, stated that while benzene presence in sunscreen and other consumer products comes from contaminated ingredients, the benzene found in benzoyl peroxide comes directly from the compound itself.

Valisure’s tests have shown that these products may contain more than 800 times the limit set by the FDA.