An independent U.S. laboratory, Valisure, has identified elevated levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene in various acne treatments. Brands such as Clinique from Estee Lauder, Target's Up & Up, and Clearasil owned by Reckitt Benckiser were among those found to contain benzene.

Valisure has taken proactive measures by filing a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging product recalls, investigations, and a revision of industry guidelines. Estee Lauder's shares experienced a 2% decline following the revelation. Additionally, Proactiv, PanOxyl, Walgreens' acne soap bar, and Walmart's Equate Beauty acne cream were identified as having benzene traces.

Valisure highlighted concerns that benzene could reach "unacceptably high levels" in both prescription and over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products. Reckitt defended its Clearasil products, stating that the findings represented "unrealistic scenarios" and emphasized the safety of their products when used according to label instructions.

Estee Lauder clarified that Clinique utilizes benzoyl peroxide in one product, asserting its safety when used as intended. Target and Walmart did not respond to Reuters' requests for comments, while the FDA has yet to respond to Valisure's petition.

Notably, benzene has previously been identified in various consumer products, including sunscreens, hand sanitisers, and dry shampoo, leading to recalls by companies such as Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson. Valisure emphasized that the detection of benzene in acne treatment products is distinct, as it originates from benzoyl peroxide itself rather than contaminated ingredients. Valisure's tests indicated that certain products could exceed the FDA concentration limit for benzene by more than 800 times.

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