Cancer-Causing Chemical Found in Acne Products
High levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene have been detected in popular acne products containing benzoyl peroxide, according to a March 2024 report by the independent laboratory Valisure.
Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen by public health agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It can be found in gasoline, pesticides, and other toxic substances.
The testing showed that some acne products contained over 800 times the benzene concentration limit set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“[T]he benzene in benzoyl peroxide products is coming from the benzoyl peroxide itself, sometimes at hundreds of times the conditional FDA limit.”
– David Light, Valisure co-founder and president
Valisure noted that the breakdown of benzoyl peroxide into benzene may speed up under high temperatures, like when the products are left inside a hot car. When this happens, the benzene “can leak out of some product packages and pose a potential inhalation risk,” the lab said.
While Valisure has urged the FDA to recall benzoyl peroxide acne products, millions of consumers may have already been impacted.
LawFirm.com has partnered with dangerous product attorneys who can stand up to negligent manufacturers and hold them accountable for the harm they’ve caused. See if they can help you pursue justice and compensation during a free case review.
List of Benzene Acne Products
Valisure tested 66 over-the-counter and prescription benzoyl peroxide acne creams, gels, lotions, and washes for benzene. Many were found to contain dangerous levels of the carcinogen.
Brands of benzoyl peroxide skin products that may contain high levels of benzene include:
- CeraVe®
- Clean & Clear®
- Clearasil®
- Clinique® by Estee Lauder™
- CVS Pharmacy Inc./CVS Health Corp.
- Equate™ by Walmart
- Harris
- La Roche-Posay®
- Neutrogena®
- PanOxyl®
- Proactiv®
- Sandra Lee MD (SLMD®)
- Target Up & Up™
- Walgreens
This is not a complete list — many other brands of benzoyl peroxide acne treatments may have put consumers at risk of benzene exposure.
Can I File a Benzene Acne Lawsuit?
You may qualify to file a benzene acne lawsuit if you or a loved one:
- Used an acne treatment product that contained benzoyl peroxide
- Developed cancer or another health problem as a result
Benzene has been linked to nervous system disorders and several types of cancer, like leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Since acne is a common skin condition, especially among teenagers and young adults, millions of Americans are at risk of developing cancer from benzoyl peroxide products they trusted were safe to use.
Not sure if you qualify? Contact our case managers right now at (888) 726-9160 to see if you or a loved one may be able to file a benzene lawsuit for compensation.
Steps to File an Acne Benzoyl Peroxide Lawsuit
Acne benzoyl peroxide lawsuits allege that manufacturers were aware of benzoyl peroxide’s potential to break down into benzene but failed to warn the public.
The personal injury lawyers that LawFirm.com works with can handle all aspects of a benzene acne lawsuit on your behalf, so you can prioritize your health and spending time with loved ones.
The basic steps involved in a benzene acne cancer lawsuit include:
- Contacting LawFirm.com: Our case managers will provide you with a free case review, so you can learn about your legal options and connect with a top benzene lawyer if you have a case.
- Gathering evidence: Your lawyer will collect evidence linking your cancer to the benzoyl acne products you used and showing how you’ve been affected. This evidence may include your medical records, acne medication prescriptions, and receipts for over-the-counter acne treatments you’ve purchased.
- Filing your benzoyl peroxide lawsuit: Your legal team will file your lawsuit before any deadlines. The companies that made and sold the benzoyl peroxide acne treatments that made you sick will be sued.
- Negotiating a benzene lawsuit settlement: Most product liability lawsuits end in out-of-court settlements. If a settlement isn’t reached, your attorney can argue your case in court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
You can be confident that your lawyer will fight to get you as much compensation as quickly as possible.
Get Help From a Benzoyl Peroxide Lawyer
LawFirm.com works with benzoyl peroxide lawyers who have helped thousands of everyday people harmed by dangerous products get compensation and justice.
Our legal partners have recovered over $9.3 billion for victims of injustice across the country.
There are no upfront or hourly fees to work with the attorneys in our network, and they can help families in all 50 states.
Contact our case managers at (888) 726-9160 right now or fill out our form to see if they can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Benzene Acne Products FAQs
Is there a benzoyl peroxide recall?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating the matter and has yet to take action as of March 2024.
The FDA began its investigation after Valisure, an independent laboratory, found unsafe levels of benzene in dozens of popular benzoyl peroxide acne treatments.
Benzene is a known carcinogen that has been linked to leukemia and other blood cancers.
Is benzoyl peroxide safe to use?
Acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide have been found to contain beneze, a known carcinogen. To be safe, consumers using benzoyl peroxide acne products should talk with their dermatologists or primary health care providers about use of these products.
Does benzoyl peroxide cause cancer?
New research indicates that benzoyl peroxide can break down into benzene, a cancer-causing chemical. Additionally, this reaction can be accelerated when benzoyl peroxide is exposed to high temperatures.
As a result, consumers who use acne creams, gels, or washes that contain benzoyl peroxide may be at an increased risk for certain types of cancer.
Is there a benzoyl peroxide class action lawsuit?
Yes, multiple benzoyl peroxide class action lawsuits have been filed against several consumer product manufacturers as of March 2024.
These lawsuits allege that the defendants knew or should have known that their benzoyl peroxide acne treatments could break down into the carcinogen benzene, placing consumers at risk.
Can I file a benzene leukemia lawsuit?
Yes, you may be able to file a benzene leukemia lawsuit if you or a loved one used benzoyl peroxide products and developed leukemia or another cancer or illness as a result.
LawFirm.com works with dangerous product lawyers who can help those affected pursue compensation and justice. Get started by calling our case managers right now at (888) 726-9160.
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