Talking Points: Benzene found in acne care products

Primary key messages

The Academy has developed key messages for dermatologists regarding reports that have found the chemical benzene in acne products containing benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide, a common acne-fighting ingredient available by prescription and over the counter, has the potential to break down into benzene.

In March 2024, a petition was filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This petition expresses concerns that benzene, a cancer-causing substance, may be found in acne products containing benzoyl peroxide when these products are exposed to higher temperatures. In March 2025, the FDA announced that it tested 95 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide. Here’s what they found:

• More than 90% of the products tested had undetectable or extremely low levels of benzene.

• Six products had elevated levels of benzene.

As a result of this and other testing, the manufacturers of 7 products voluntarily recalled their products.

Benzoyl peroxide has been a key acne-fighting ingredient used for over 50 years in dermatology. It is also found in medications used to treat rosacea and hidradenitis suppurativa. Epidemiologic studies published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology show that regular use of benzoyl peroxide acne products is not linked to higher blood benzene levels or increased cancer risk. So, while benzene has been found in benzoyl peroxide, to date, no studies have clearly identified harm from routine use of benzoyl peroxide products.

While there are no direct alternatives to benzoyl peroxide, your dermatologist can help you find other options if you are uncomfortable using benzoyl peroxide in your acne regimen as we learn more. Other over-the-counter treatment options include topical adapalene, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is benzene — and what makes it a human carcinogen?

• According to the CDC, benzene is a colorless, highly flammable chemical used widely in the U.S. to make products such as drugs, detergents, dyes, plastics and lubricants. It is also found in gasoline and cigarette smoke.

• According to the CDC, benzene can cause cells not to work correctly, and the seriousness depends on the amount, route, and length of exposure, as well as the age and pre-existing medical condition of the exposed person.

• Benzoyl peroxide is a common active ingredient in acne-fighting personal care products. Benzene is not intended to be included in these products.

  In products with benzoyl peroxide as an active ingredient, the benzoyl peroxide can break down, which introduces benzene into the product.

2. What does the FDA’s recall mean for consumers?

• If you have one of the recalled products listed on the FDA website, there’s no immediate cause for concern. This is a retail-level recall, meaning stores and online retailers have been asked to stop selling these products.

• The FDA has not recommended that consumers take any specific action at this time. To reinforce this, the FDA notes: “Even with daily use of these products for decades, the risk of a person developing cancer because of exposure to benzene found in these products is very low.”

• Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology supports this, finding that regular use of benzoyl peroxide acne products is:

  • Not associated with higher benzene levels in the blood

  • Not linked to an increased cancer risk

3. How can patients continue treating their acne while minimizing risk?

• There are many ingredients that help fight and prevent acne.

• Products should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions at room temperature or cooler conditions (e.g. refrigerated).

• Replace products that contain benzoyl peroxide every 10-12 weeks.

• Benzoyl peroxide products should be discarded if exposed to high temperatures (e.g. greater than 78°F).

• If your current treatment plan includes benzoyl peroxide and you would like to avoid this ingredient, consult your dermatologist for alternate options.

• If you are treating acne on your own and have concerns about benzoyl peroxide products, consider other acne-fighting ingredients. Options include adapalene, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid. You can also speak with a board-certified dermatologist.

4. What is the American Academy of Dermatology’s position on this issue? What is the AADA doing about this issue?

• The AADA remains committed to the health and safety of the public and is reviewing these findings and awaiting more information from the FDA to determine next steps.

• The AADA encourages the public to partner with their dermatologist to develop or change their acne treatment plans and looks forward to additional data about reproducibility of these studies and the safety of benzoyl peroxide containing products.

5. How should I care for my skin if I have acne?

• Board-certified dermatologists recommend the following to care for your skin during acne treatment:

  • Keep your skin clean. Gently wash your face up to twice daily and after sweating. Choose a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Apply it with your fingertips, as scrubbing with washcloths, sponges, and other tools can irritate your skin.

  • Choose the right skin care. Use gentle skin care products and ones that say “alcohol-free” on the label. Avoid products that can irritate your skin, including astringents, toners, and exfoliants. These products can dry your skin and make acne appear worse.

  • If you would prefer to use acne products that do not contain benzoyl peroxide, opt for other options such as topical retinoids, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid.

  • Shampoo regularly. The oil from your hair can cause acne on your forehead. If you have oily hair, shampoo more often than you do now and keep your hair away from your face.

  • Keep your hands off. Touching your face throughout the day can cause acne to flare. While it can be tempting to pick, pop, or squeeze your acne, doing so will make the acne take longer to clear and increase your risk for scarring and dark spots called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

  • Look for a sunscreen that says “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.” For more effective protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (or UPF) number on the label.

6. Do you have a call to action for media/social media?

• If you are concerned about ingredients in your acne skin care and medications, talk to a board-certified dermatologist to develop an acne treatment plan that works for you.

• To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit AAD.org/findaderm.