What is benzene? What you need to know as popular acne products recalled

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is benzene?

“Benzene is a volatile organic compound classified as a known human carcinogen by the World Health Organization and the US Environmental Protection Agency,” Professor Caitriona Ryan, consultant dermatologist, Institute of Dermatologists and Blackrock Clinic, explains.

“It is not an intended ingredient in acne products but can sometimes form as a contaminant due to manufacturing issues or product degradation over time.”

“It is used in pretty much every industry setting,” Dr Laura Lenihan, GP and owner of skincare clinic Dr Laura Clinic in Galway adds, but has only been found to be a carcinogen “at high levels”.

“A lab, Valisure in the US, has been doing some testing to see if products release benzene, but they are being subjected to testing that is outside of normal use of these products (i.e. high temp exposure, over 14 days) which wouldn’t occur in our own homes. In these cases, some benzene was found, but it was at small levels.”

Can it be harmful?

“Yes,” Professor Ryan says. “Benzene is a known cancer-causing chemical, particularly linked to leukaemia and other blood disorders with long-term exposure.

“However, the risk from topical skincare products remains under investigation, as the FDA has stated that even with daily use, the risk from the recalled acne products is very low,” she explains.

“That said, reducing unnecessary benzene exposure is always advisable.”

What products have been recalled?

Among the products listed was La Roche-Posay’s popular Effaclar Duo Dual Acne Treatment. Though the FDA did not demand it to be recalled, the brand’s parent company L’Oreal took it upon itself to do a voluntary one — meaning, as it stands, the product is currently discontinued in the US. It is worth nothing the EU equivalent, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M, is still on shelves across Europe.

“Benzoyl peroxide was found in an Effaclar product not available outside of the US,” Dr Lenihan confirms, echoing a recent statement by the brand: “To reassure you regarding the US recall, the minimal traces of benzene found in one lot of the US-specific Effaclar Duo Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Spot Treatment do not pose a safety risk. As we are committed to upholding the highest quality standards, the US team have, in close coordination with the FDA, decided to remove the limited remaining units from retailers,” the brand stated.

The FDA’s latest statement, released March 11, added that it was important to note recalls are being conducted at the retail level, not the consumer level. This means retailers are instructed to remove products from store shelves and online marketplaces but does not instruct consumers to take actions regarding products currently in their possession.

“Even with daily use of these products for decades, the risk of a person developing cancer because of exposure to benzene found in these products is very low,” they confirmed.

Should I get rid of products containing benzoyl peroxide?

If you are a fan of benzoyl peroxide and want to continue using it, Dr Ryan advises storing products containing the ingredient in cool, dark places to reduce potential degradation and use washes rather than leave-on products where possible.

“Patients who are worried about benzene exposure may consider alternatives such as salicylic acid, retinoids, azelaic acid, niacinamide and CLN Body Wash,” Professor Ryan advises.

“I would tend to use prescription ingredients like tretinoin, azelaic acid and adapalene as first-line [over Benzoyl peroxide products],” Dr Lenihan adds. “Over-the-counter ingredients such as salicylic acid and niacinamide can also be useful.”

Recommendations

There are plenty of effective acne treatments available that do not contain benzoyl peroxide. Some of our favourites we’ve previously recommended in Weekend include:

• Skingredient’s Sally Cleanse 2% Salicylic Acid Oil Control Cleanser (€30, Meagher’s Pharmacy)
• Kinvara’s Elemental Exfoliating Powder with niacinamide (€34.95, kinvaraskincare.com)
• Clinical Skin Retinol + Peptide Refining Serum (€137.50, instituteofdermatologists.com)
• Trinny London’s Energise Me Niacinamide Moisturiser (€55, Brown Thomas)
• IMAGE’s Skincare AGELESS Total Overnight Retinol Masque (€108, theskinnerd.com)