In an article published in TIME, dermatologists issued a new statement suggesting that individuals refrigerate acne creams, gels, and washes to minimize exposure to benzene. The statement comes after the independent laboratory Valisure discovered high levels of the carcinogen in benzoyl peroxide–containing products such as Proactiv’s 2.5% cream and Clearasil’s 10% cream and subsequently filed a petition with the FDA to remove the products from shelves. The FDA has since agreed to validate the laboratory’s findings. “We want to be sure that any guidance that is given and any decisions that are made are based as much as possible on solid scientific evidence,” concluded James Del Rosso, DO, FAAD, President of the American Acne & Rosacea Society.
April 10, 2024