"Benzene Contamination Discovered in Popular Acne Treatments"

An independent lab found dangerously high levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, in several acne products containing benzoyl peroxide, prompting a petition to the FDA for their removal from shelves. The lab's tests revealed benzene levels over 800 times higher than FDA restrictions, with some products leaking the chemical, posing inhalation risks. While products with salicylic acid or adapalene did not show the same issue, the manufacturer of Clearasil products dismissed the findings as reflecting unrealistic scenarios.