Is Benzoyl Peroxide Safe? 5 Things to Know About Benzene and Benzoyl Peroxide

A recent investigation found benzene in some over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain benzoyl peroxide (a common acne treatment). This has raised concern, as benzene is known to cause cancer. So many people are left wondering: is benzoyl peroxide safe to use? Let’s take a look at what we know and how to protect your safety.

1. An independent testing lab found benzene in OTC benzoyl peroxide products

In March, an independent testing lab called Valisure published the results of a study on OTC benzoyl peroxide products. Benzene was detected in all of the products tested. This is a concern because benzene is known to cause cancer.

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2. We don’t know for sure what this means for the safety of benzoyl peroxide products

While the study results may seem straightforward, there’s a lot of information we still don’t know for sure.

Benzoyl peroxide products in the study were stored at much higher temperatures than what’s typical or recommended. This is a common practice in studies. Storing a product at a high temperature for a short time can give the same results as storing a product at room temperature for a long time. So it’s a way to get information about what happens over a long period of time faster. But in this case, the high temperature increased the benzene levels in the products. So it’s not clear if the benzene levels are as high if the product is kept at the recommended temperature and replaced frequently.

It’s also unclear how risky the benzene exposure from benzoyl peroxide products is. Benzene is known to cause cancer with long-term exposure (at high levels for a year or more). But low levels of benzene are common in outdoor air, from things such as cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, and forest fires. It’s also a common ingredient in glue, cleaning products, and paint strippers. This means you’re likely exposed to a small amount of benzene every day. That being said, no amount of benzene is considered safe. But it’s not clear yet how serious the exposure from benzoyl peroxide products is at this time.

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3. Other products, including OTC sunscreen, have also tested positive for benzene

Benzene has also been found in other common OTC products, such as hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and dry shampoo. As a result, the FDA issued new guidelines in December 2023 about using ingredients known to contain benzene. It instructed manufacturers to reformulate their products to avoid these ingredients.

But this isn’t the same as the issue with benzoyl peroxide. Previous products were made with inactive ingredients or contaminants that contained benzene. But benzoyl peroxide itself actually breaks down into benzene over time. So it’s not a matter of leaving an ingredient out. It’s finding a way to reformulate these products to make sure that benzene formation isn’t an issue.

4. At this time, no benzoyl peroxide products have been recalled

Valisure filed a petition with the FDA asking for a recall of OTC and prescription benzoyl peroxide products. But at this time, no action has been taken by the FDA. And the FDA hasn’t provided any guidance as to the safety of these products. Federal petition regulations require a response from the FDA within 180 days (6 months), so we should know more by September 2024 at the latest.

5. There are steps you can take to help reduce benzene exposure from benzoyl peroxide products 

If you’re concerned about benzene in your OTC or prescription benzoyl peroxide products, there are some steps you can take to help protect yourself:

• Replace benzoyl peroxide products frequently, about every 3 to 6 months.

• Store benzoyl peroxide products in the refrigerator. If you’re unable to refrigerate the product, keep it at room temperature away from any heat sources, such as a steamy bathroom.

• Choose an alternative OTC product to help manage breakouts, such as salicylic acid or adapalene (Differin). You can also talk to your dermatologist about prescription treatment options.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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