Among 111 prescription or over-the-counter products for acne that contain benzoyl peroxide (BPO), 38 (34%) contained benzene levels above the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limit of 2 ppm, results from an analysis that used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and other methods showed.

A recent study found that benzoyl peroxide in acne products can degrade into benzene even at room temperature. Valisure Laboratories, the study sponsor, has filed a petition with the FDA, requesting action on benzene contamination in these products.

The findings put pressure on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to take action on products widely used by teens.

A new study reveals that some popular anti-acne products may contain ingredients linked to cancer risk. Chemicals like parabens and benzoyl peroxide, commonly found in these products, could contribute to long-term health issues,