The high-impact, peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives has published a study titled “Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Products Form Benzene,” which summarizes findings from Valisure’s investigation into benzene contamination in benzoyl peroxide (BPO) acne treatment products.

Valisure researchers are credited as co-authors, and the study presents detailed GC-MS analysis conducted on a representative selection of BPO products. To evaluate product formulation effects, carbon-13 benzene was used as a reference compound—similar in behavior to benzene but distinguishable by mass.

Key Findings:

• All BPO products tested were found to generate benzene.
• No benzene formation was observed in acne treatment products without BPO.
• Incubation testing was halted early due to packaging ruptures within the first week, indicating instability in the products.

This study provides further evidence that benzoyl peroxide products are fundamentally unstable and reinforces the public health concerns outlined in Valisure’s March 2024 FDA Citizen Petition.

Read the full paper via Environmental Health Perspectives here.

The high-impact, peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives has published a study titled “Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Products Form Benzene,” which summarizes findings from Valisure’s investigation into benzene contamination in benzoyl peroxide (BPO) acne treatment products.

Valisure researchers are credited as co-authors, and the study presents detailed GC-MS analysis conducted on a representative selection of BPO products. To evaluate product formulation effects, carbon-13 benzene was used as a reference compound—similar in behavior to benzene but distinguishable by mass.

Key Findings:

• All BPO products tested were found to generate benzene.
• No benzene formation was observed in acne treatment products without BPO.
• Incubation testing was halted early due to packaging ruptures within the first week, indicating instability in the products.

This study provides further evidence that benzoyl peroxide products are fundamentally unstable and reinforces the public health concerns outlined in Valisure’s March 2024 FDA Citizen Petition.

Read the full paper via Environmental Health Perspectives here.