[updated] Could UV Affect Benzene Formation? New Findings in BPO Acne, Rosacea Products

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Image by New Africa at Adobe Stock

Benzene-contaminated skin care is making headlines again. A new study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, co-authored by experts at Valisure, LLC, Yale University School of Medicine and Long Island University, found that of 111 benzoyl peroxide (BPO)-containing products taken off retail shelves and sampled at room temperature, 38 (34%) exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) conditional benzene limit. The products included brands such as Clearasil, CVS Health, La Roche-Posay, Proactiv and others. Additional observations suggest that: most likely, the benzene formed within the products; high temperatures and UV exposure may have promoted this formation; and longer exposure to given conditions could have increased the benzene content. These results follow similar findings reported earlier this year.

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