Cancer-causing chemical in some acne treatments, US lab reports

WASHINGTON: Independent US laboratory Valisure said on Wednesday that high levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene have been detected in acne treatments from some brands including Estée Lauder Clinique and Target Up & Up. The New Haven, Connecticut-based lab told the US Food and A petition has also been filed with the Drug Administration, calling on the regulator to recall the products, investigate and revise industry guidance.

Benzene, which is already found in some sunscreens and dry shampoo, can build up at “unacceptably high levels” in both prescription and over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products, Valisure said. Shares of Estée Lauder fell 3% after the report.Target and Estée Lauder did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. High levels of benzene were found not only in the acne products tested, but also in the air around the incubated products, Valisure said, indicating that the carcinogen may leach out of some packages, posing a potential inhalation risk. may arise.Bloomberg News had reported this development earlier in the day.