A brand new research revealed within the Journal of Investigative Dermatology on Monday, October 7 is reigniting considerations in regards to 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 purple 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 research revealed in March. As reported by Dermatology Occasions, the March research’s findings confirmed that benzene ranges spiked “when the zits merchandise had been examined at larger temperatures that had been designed to duplicate how the merchandise can break down over time.” The most recent research 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 Faculty of Medication, Dermatology Occasions’ 2024 Winter Editor in Chief, and one of many research’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 knowledge, 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 pointers might have revision to replicate rising knowledge and higher safeguard public well being.” Our recommendation is to remain cautious and knowledgeable as this ongoing investigation continues to unfold.