Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and Others Sued Over Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Products

Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith is actively investigating a potential class action relating to Benzoyl Peroxide in acne products that may contain large quantities of the chemical Benzene, which can increase your risk of cancer.

Is Benzene in acne products?

Yes, potentially. Acne products with the active ingredient Benzoyl Peroxide may contain unsafe levels of Benzene. Benzene is classified as a known human carcinogen or cancer-causing substance by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This chemical is naturally found in gasoline and tobacco smoke. When these acne products are exposed to heat, the Benzoyl Peroxide molecules in them can break down into benzene. Unfortunately, the risks don’t stop there. Even unopened Benzoyl Peroxide products can release Benzene into the air if stored at a high temperature, putting those nearby at risk of breathing in this dangerous chemical.

Carcinogen Benzene Found in Popular Acne Products

Valisure, an independent testing laboratory, tested 66 Benzoyl Peroxide acne creams, gels, lotions, and other products for the presence of Benzene with many of these popular acne products found to contain more than 9 times the safe amount of Benzene. During testing, Clearasil’s® 10% benzoyl peroxide cream was found to contain Benzene surpassing 300 parts per million, which is 150 times above the limit deemed safe by the FDA. Proactiv’s® 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide cream and 5% Benzoyl Peroxide cream were also found to contain some of the highest levels of Benzene.

What beauty products may contain benzene?

Beauty products containing Benzene may include the following Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) acne treatments:

Clearasil® 10% BPO cream

Estee Lauder’s™ Clinique® 2.5% BPO cream

Harris 10% BPO cream

La Roche-Posay® 5.5% BPO cream

PanOxyl® 4-10% BPO cream

Proactiv® 2.5-5% BPO cream

Sandra Lee MD® 2.5% BPO lotion

Target’s Up & Up™ 10% BPO gel

Target’s Up & Up™ 2.5% BPO lotion and cream

Walgreens 10% BPO bar and cream

Walmart’s Equate™ 10% BPO cream

Is there a benzoyl peroxide recall?

Not yet. However, Valisure has requested that the FDA recall Benzoyl Peroxide acne treatments. A Benzoyl Peroxide recall would provide regulators with time to investigate the presence of Benzene in Benzoyl Peroxide products and determine the safest course of action for the public.

Due to the popularity of Benzoyl Peroxide products, millions may be at risk of developing cancer as a result of their acne treatments. If you or a loved one used an acne treatment product containing Benzoyl Peroxide and/or developed cancer or another injury as a result, you may be able to file a case. Please contact us: