Benzene in Benzoyl Peroxide – How Worried Should We Be?

Abstract

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is a foundational acne treatment that can also prevents the development of Cutibacterium acnes resistance to antibiotics.1 However, BPO has the potential to thermally decompose into benzene, a known carcinogen.2 Two recent reports released by the independent laboratory Valisure have suggested that common BPO products may contain concerning levels of benzene after incubation for days to weeks at temperatures of 37°C (99°F) and 50°C (122°F).2,3 In addition, these reports describe that some products had detectible levels of benzene when procured, but do not provide specific details beyond summary level data regarding the number of products with >2 (19/66) or >10 ppm (10/66) of benzene detected.3