Cancer-causing chemical linked to popular acne products, lab reports
“The benzene we found in sunscreens and other consumer products were impurities that came from contaminated ingredients; however, the benzene in benzoyl peroxide products is coming from the benzoyl peroxide itself, sometimes at hundreds of times the conditional FDA limit,” Light said.
DOVE, SUAVE, TRESEMMÉ, OTHER DRY SHAMPOO PRODUCTS RECALLED DUE TO HIGH LEVELS OF BENZENE
According to the FDA’s website, benzene is used in the production of a wide range of industrial products, from dyes and detergents to some plastics. It is also released into the air through cigarette smoke and emissions from automobiles as well as burning coal and oil.
However, in recent years, several products such as dry shampoos, hand sanitizers and sunscreens have been recalled for having excess levels of the chemical, posing a health risk to consumers.
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The FDA said the health consequences of exposure to benzene can “depend on the amount, route, and length of time of exposure” as well as someone’s age and any preexisting medical conditions.
The FDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. (iStock / iStock)
Long-term exposure to the chemical through inhalation, oral intake, and skin absorption may result in cancers such as leukemia and other blood disorders, the FDA said.
A spokesperson from Reckitt, which owns the Clearasil brand, said the company is “confident that all Clearasil products, when used and stored as directed on their labels, are safe” and that it works “closely with regulators around the world to ensure our products are safe and effective for their intended use.”
“Clearasil products and their ingredients are stable over the storage conditions described on their packaging which represent all reasonable and foreseeable conditions,” the company said.
The company also asserted that the findings presented by the independent lab “reflect unrealistic scenarios rather than real-world conditions.”
FOX Business has reached out to Target, Estée Lauder Companies and Proactiv for comment.
