*NEW* Studies On Benzene In Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Skincare

Summary

This video addresses concerns over the safety of benzoyl peroxide skincare products following a report by Valley Shore Labs in April 2024. The lab's non-peer-reviewed study claimed benzene contamination in these products, causing public alarm. However, the lab's methodology and credibility are questioned, especially due to extreme testing conditions not representative of real-world use. New peer-reviewed studies suggest no clinical significance of benzene in benzoyl peroxide products, showing no increased risk of cancers or blood benzene levels. Dermatologists continue to recommend benzoyl peroxide for its acne-fighting benefits, emphasizing proper storage to maintain product stability and efficacy.

Takeaways

• 📢 Benzo peroxide skincare products were reported to contain high levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, by an independent lab called Valley Shore in April 2024.
• 🔍 Valley Shore's findings were not peer-reviewed and have been criticized for questionable methodologies and extreme testing conditions.
• 🧐 The lab has a history of publishing non-peer-reviewed research and has been criticized by the FDA for deficiencies in their laboratory studies.
• 💡 Benzo peroxide can degrade into benzene when exposed to extreme heat, but this is not representative of everyday use conditions.
• 👩‍⚕️ Two new peer-reviewed studies indicate that over-the-counter benzo peroxide products are safe and do not increase the risk of cancers or blood benzene levels.
• 🧬 The National Health and Nutrition Survey study compared benzene levels in blood and found no difference between users and non-users of benzo peroxide.
• 📊 A larger study of over 27,000 patients showed no increased risk of cancers in those using benzo peroxide compared to non-users.
• 👨‍⚕️ Dermatologists have extensive clinical experience with benzo peroxide and have not observed increased health risks such as cancers or high benzene levels.
• 🚫 Discard old or expired benzo peroxide products and avoid exposing them to extreme heat, as can occur in a car.
• 🌞 Store skincare products, including benzo peroxide, properly to maintain their stability and effectiveness.
• 🛑 The video script encourages viewers to critically assess the Valley Shore study and to consider the reassuring results of the peer-reviewed studies.

Q & A

What was the concern raised in April 2024 regarding benzoyl peroxide skincare products?

In April 2024, an independent lab called Valley Shore published a non-peer-reviewed paper claiming that over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide skincare products contained high levels of benzene, a known human carcinogen, which raised safety concerns among consumers.

Why did the findings from Valley Shore receive criticism?

The findings were criticized due to the lab's history of using questionable methodologies and because the study was not peer-reviewed, meaning it lacked public critique prior to publication. Additionally, the study exposed benzoyl peroxide products to extreme conditions that are not typical of everyday use.

What is the significance of peer-review in scientific research?

Peer-review is a process where other experts in the field critique the methodology, results, and conclusions of a study before it is published. It ensures the research is methodologically sound, reliable, and contributes to the body of scientific knowledge.

What was the FDA's response to Valley Shore's research findings?

In December 2022, the FDA issued a letter to Valley Shore highlighting many deficiencies with how they conduct their laboratory studies, indicating that their findings might not be reliable.

What were the findings of the two new peer-reviewed studies on benzoyl peroxide products?

The two new studies, one from the national health and nutrition survey and another examining electronic health records, found no increased risk of cancers or difference in blood benzene levels in people using benzoyl peroxide compared to those who were not.

How do dermatologists view the clinical significance of benzene found in benzoyl peroxide products?

Dermatologists generally consider the detection of benzene in benzoyl peroxide products exposed to high temperatures as not clinically significant, as it does not translate to increased health risks such as cancers or high levels of benzene in the blood.

What is the role of benzoyl peroxide in acne treatment?

Benzoyl peroxide is a highly effective topical treatment for acne. It is one of the oldest and most widely used treatments, helping to reduce the reliance on antibiotics and decreasing the risk of bacterial resistance.

What precautions should be taken when storing skincare products, including benzoyl peroxide?

Skincare products, including benzoyl peroxide, should be stored away from extreme heat, such as inside a car during hot weather. High temperatures can compromise the stability of the active ingredients and the preservative systems, affecting the product's efficacy and safety.

What does the video recommend regarding the use of expired benzoyl peroxide products?

The video recommends discarding any old or expired benzoyl peroxide products, as they may not be safe or effective to use and could potentially cause irritation.

What is the importance of the peer-review process in the context of the benzoyl peroxide studies?

The peer-review process is crucial as it allows other experts to scrutinize the study's methodology and findings, ensuring that the research is robust and reliable. It helps maintain trust in medical research and the therapies derived from it.

How does the video address the issue of mistrust in the medical community due to non-peer-reviewed publications?

The video criticizes the publication of non-peer-reviewed findings with inflammatory headlines, as it can lead to mistrust in established therapies and the medical community. It emphasizes the importance of peer-review in maintaining credibility and trust.