Benzene and Benzoyl Peroxide: What you need to know

Concerning headlines on Benzoyl Peroxide

The skincare industry is facing a pivotal moment with the recent revelation about benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient widely acclaimed for its acne-fighting properties. A study by Valisure (14) has highlighted a potential risk that under certain conditions, benzoyl peroxide may decompose, reacting with other ingredients in skincare products to form benzene. This discovery has sparked significant concern, given that benzene is a Group 1 carcinogen, placing it in the same category as asbestos, lead, and formaldehyde. The urgency of this issue has lead to a petition calling on major skincare brands, including ProActiv, Clinique, and Clearasil, to recall affected products. This situation demands a closer look at the implications of these findings and the chemistry involved.

If you plan on replacing your acne products, make sure you only get products that are right for your skin type. You can take the Baumann Skin type quiz for free here!

The Dangers of Benzene

Benzene’s classification as a Group 1 carcinogen by authoritative bodies highlights its potential to cause cancer in humans. Most often associated with industrial pollution, the presence of benzene in skincare products—especially at unsafe levels—is alarming. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set a limit of 2 parts per million (ppm) for benzene in consumer products. However, the study in question found acne products with benzoyl peroxide containing up to 12 times this amount, raising serious safety concerns.

What is Benzene?

Benzene is a clear, colorless liquid with a sweet smell. It’s used in a variety of industrial processes and is a component of products ranging from plastics to detergents. However, its significance extends beyond its industrial use; benzene is frequently encountered in everyday life through environmental pollution. It can be released into the air from burning coal and oil, gasoline service stations, and motor vehicle exhaust. This widespread presence increases the importance of minimizing additional exposure, especially in products meant for our health.

Historical Precedent: the case of hydroquinone

The skincare industry has faced similar situations before, such as the withdrawal of hydroquinone from over-the-counter sales due to safety concerns. Hydroquinone was shown to metabolize into benzene, which obviously raised concern in consumers and skin care companies like. These precedents highlight the importance of rigorously assessing ingredient safety and the industry’s capacity to adapt by prioritizing consumer health.

Benzoyl Peroxide concerns

Interestingly, concerns of benzoyl peroxide causing skin cancer are not new and have been studied for decades. (11,12,13) This is why it is typically recommended to wash off benzoyl peroxide before going into direct sunlight.

I believe the reason this issue is only gaining public attention now is because of the proposed petition to recall affected products.

The potential for benzoyl peroxide to facilitate benzene formation in skincare products is significant for both consumers and the skin care industry. It emphasizes the need for careful product storage, handling, and the consideration of alternative acne treatments.

The formation of benzene in this context is reportedly due to the decomposition of benzoyl peroxide when it interacts with other ingredients within acne products. This decomposition process, potentially accelerated by factors like heat and light, is a reminder of the balance required in product formulation to for effective and safe results.

Alternatives for Benzoyl Peroxide

Given the concerns about benzene and benzoyl peroxide, exploring other acne treatment options becomes a priority. Effective alternatives include salicylic acid, which clears pores and reduces inflammation, and retinoids, which promote skin renewal without the risks of benzene formation. You can find our full collection of acne products without benzoyl peroxide here. Here are a few of my favorites:

Benzene Rings vs Free Benzene

As people become increasingly aware of benzene through moments like these, the distinction between terms like free benzene and benzene rings could be important to understand.

Benzene rings are benzene present as a structural component in many compounds. The term “benzene rings” in chemistry typically refers to benzene molecules that have bonded and become stable. Many such molecules are completely safe in skin care.

Free benzene has unbound binding sites, so it is highly reactive. This differentiation is crucial for understanding the specific risks associated with free benzene exposure versus the general presence of benzene rings in skincare ingredients.

While free benzene in isolation is carcinogenic, benzene rings are a common structural component of many safe molecules as well.

The Role of Benzene Rings in Molecules

Benzene rings are a fundamental aspect of organic chemistry, forming the backbone of countless compounds, many of which are pivotal to the formulation of safe and effective skincare products. These rings are characterized by a hexagonal arrangement of six carbon atoms, bonded in a way that creates a stable structure. This stability is a key feature, lending itself to the creation of diverse compounds with various properties beneficial to skincare. Compounds containing a benzene ring are often called “aromatic compounds.”

Making informed choices

Navigating skincare options in light of these findings can be challenging. Here are some steps to help:

Stay Updated : Keeping up with the latest skincare research ensures you make informed decisions.

Consult with Dermatologists : If you’re concerned about your skincare routine, talking to a skin expert can offer personalized advice and alternatives.

Explore Other Ingredients : Acne can still be effectively managed without benzoyl peroxide. Look into products with salicylic acid or retinoids.

Know Your Skin Type : Your skin’s needs are unique. The 16 Baumann Skin Types can guide you to products that match your skin perfectly. Consider taking the free skin type quiz.

Mindful Storage : If you continue using products with benzoyl peroxide, storing them in cool places might reduce the risk of any unwanted chemical reactions.

Moving forward

This recent revelation regarding benzoyl peroxide and benzene adds a new layer of complexity to skincare management. It serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about the products we use and the potential risks they may pose. By understanding what benzene is and its prevalence in the environment, consumers can make more conscious decisions about their skincare routines. Consulting with dermatology professionals, staying abreast of current research, and understanding one’s skin type are all prudent steps in navigating this issue. As the skincare industry continues to evolve, prioritizing safety and efficacy in product formulation will remain paramount.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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