Second Study Finds Cancer Risk in Proactiv, Clearasil and Other Acne Creams

  • Analysis earlier this year received criticism for its methods
  • High benzene levels put more pressure on FDA to take action
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

A new analysis of acne creams and cleansers found dozens, including popular products like Proactiv and Clearasil, contain high levels of a chemical linked to cancer. The findings confirm some of an earlier study that received criticism for its methods, putting more pressure on the US Food and Drug Administration to take action on products widely used by American teenagers.

Researchers tested more than 100 benzoyl peroxide acne products available at major retailers in six states. They found about a third were contaminated with high levels of benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer.