Examine Raises New Issues About Benzoyl Peroxide and Benzene

A brand new examine printed within the Journal of Investigative Dermatology on Monday, October 7 is reigniting considerations concerning the security of benzoyl peroxide in acne-fighting skin-care merchandise.

You’re most likely no stranger to beonzyl peroxide; it’s a famed skin-care ingredient recognized for its acne-fighting properties. And this isn’t the primary time analysis has raised pink flags about its potential to degrade into benzene—a recognized carcinogen—when uncovered to elevated temperatures and UV mild. The most recent analysis examined 111 over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide zits merchandise and located that 34% had benzene ranges that surpassed the FDA’s 2 ppm security restrict.

These findings mirror an earlier examine printed in March. As reported by Dermatology Instances, the March examine’s findings confirmed that benzene ranges spiked “when the zits merchandise had been examined at increased temperatures that had been designed to duplicate how the merchandise can break down over time.” The most recent examine confirms that each warmth and UV publicity speed up benzene formation—so the place can we go from right here?

Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, affiliate professor of dermatology at Yale College College of Medication, Dermatology Instances’ 2024 Winter Editor in Chief, and one of many examine’s authors, explains: “For those who’re going to proceed to make use of benzoyl peroxide-containing merchandise, then what I’m doing is asking sufferers to retailer their benzoyl peroxide-containing product within the fridge. I feel it’s a quite simple methodology to reduce the decomposition of the benzoyl peroxide and mitigate the degrees of benzene.”

In NewBeauty’s earlier reporting on the March findings, some dermatologists referred to as for extra information, whereas others suggested continuing with warning. Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD, harassed that “even minimal quantities of benzene pose dangers.” He added, “Given these findings, it’s clear that present tips may have revision to replicate rising information and higher safeguard public well being.” Our recommendation is to remain cautious and knowledgeable as this ongoing investigation continues to unfold.