Media: cancer-causing chemical found in Clinique and Clearasil acne products
Some acne treatments from brands including Clinique by Estee Lauder, Up & Up by Target and Clearasil by Reckitt Benckiser have been found to contain high levels of cancer-causing chemical benzene, Reuters reports with reference to independent US laboratory Valisure
Valisure has also filed a petition with the US Food and Drug Administration, calling on the regulator to recall the products, conduct an investigation and check the industry guidelines.
"Benzene could form at ‘unacceptably high levels’ in both prescription and over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products,” Valisure said.
Reckitt, in turn, issued a statement saying that the results of the study ‘reflect unrealistic scenarios rather than real-world conditions’, adding that all Clearasil products were safe ‘when used and stored as directed on their labels’.
Estee Lauder stated that Clinique uses benzoyl peroxide in one product that is ‘safe for use as intended’.
