Benzene has recently made headlines for being found in some skincare products like sunscreens and acne treatments. Even though it’s not added on purpose, small amounts have shown up during testing—and that’s raised some concerns.
In this article, we’ll explain what benzene is, how it gets into skincare, whether it’s something to worry about, and what you can do to stay safe while using your favorite products.
Key Takeaways
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Benzene is a known carcinogen that may appear in skincare unintentionally due to ingredient breakdown (e.g., benzoyl peroxide) or contaminated raw materials, especially in spray products.
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Heat exposure increases the risk, as high temperatures can cause ingredients to degrade and release benzene.
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Greatest risk is inhalation, not skin absorption—making aerosols and sprays the most concerning formats.
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Products with benzoyl peroxide, oxybenzone, and certain preservatives (like sodium benzoate) may carry higher risk if poorly stored or formulated.
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FDA states most products are still safe if properly manufactured and stored; avoid leaving products in hot environments.
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Stick with well-tested, quality-controlled brands, and store your products in cool, dry places to minimize risk.
What Is Benzene and Why Is It in Skincare?
Benzene is a chemical used to make things like plastic, detergents, and fuel. It’s not something you’d expect to find in skincare, especially since it’s known to be harmful with long-term exposure.
So how does it end up in products like sunscreens or acne creams? It usually gets in by accident—either as a contaminant during production or when certain ingredients break down over time, especially in heat.
Spray products like aerosols are more at risk, since they use propellants or alcohol that might be contaminated. Even though it’s not added on purpose, benzene can still sneak into products if companies aren’t careful with ingredients and storage.
How Benzene Ends Up in Your Skincare Products
Even though benzene isn’t added on purpose, it can still end up in skincare products because of ingredient breakdown or contaminated materials. Let’s take a closer look at how this happens.
Breakdown of Benzoyl Peroxide at High Temperatures
One major cause is the degradation of benzoyl peroxide, a common ingredient in acne treatments.
When stored in hot environments—like a car, gym bag, or bathroom shelf—this ingredient can break down and produce benzene as a byproduct. High temperatures over time speed up this reaction, making heat a real risk factor.
Contaminated Raw Materials
Another source is contaminated alcohols or aerosol propellants, often used in spray products like sunscreens and dry shampoos.
These ingredients might carry trace amounts of benzene if they aren’t properly refined during manufacturing. Since benzene is a petroleum byproduct, any poor-quality raw material can pose a risk.
Heat Exposure During Transport or Storage
It’s not just about how you store a product at home. Transportation conditions, warehouse temperatures, and even sitting in a delivery truck on a hot day can expose products to heat.
This can trigger ingredient breakdown or worsen contamination over time, especially in poorly formulated or unprotected products.
Is Benzene in Skincare Dangerous?
Benzene is considered a cancer-causing chemical (carcinogen), so it’s normal to feel concerned if you hear it’s in skincare. But how risky is it really when used on your skin?
Most Exposure Happens Through Breathing It In
The biggest danger from benzene comes from inhaling it, not from putting it on your skin. People working around fuel or chemicals breathe in higher amounts every day. That’s very different from using a cream or sunscreen once or twice a day.
What About Absorption Through the Skin?
There’s not a lot of research yet on how much benzene your skin can absorb, but experts agree we should be careful. Even if the risk is small, it’s something to keep an eye on—especially for spray products or items you use often.
We’re Exposed to Benzene in Daily Life Too
Benzene is already in air pollution, car exhaust, cigarette smoke, and even small amounts in food and water. Skincare products are just one small part of the bigger picture—but that doesn’t mean we should ignore it.
So while the risk from skincare might be low, it’s still smart to stay informed and choose products made with care.
Products and Ingredients to Watch Closely
Some skincare products and ingredients have a higher chance of forming benzene, especially if they’re not made or stored properly. Here’s what to look out for.
Ingredients That May Be Linked to Benzene
A few common ingredients can break down and possibly lead to benzene:
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Benzoyl peroxide – often found in acne creams
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Oxybenzone and avobenzone – used in some sunscreens
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Sodium benzoate – a preservative in many skincare items
These ingredients aren’t harmful by themselves, but they can react over time—especially in heat—so it’s smart to be aware.
Watch Out for Sprays and Aerosols
Spray products like dry shampoo or sunscreen mists may contain benzene from the propellants or alcohol they use. Plus, spraying increases the risk of breathing in the product, which is more harmful than using it on your skin.
Why Good Formulas Matter
Products made with stable formulas are less likely to break down or cause problems. If a product is well-made and stored correctly, the risk of benzene is much lower.
So, stick with brands that care about testing and safety—it really makes a difference.
Should You Stop Using Products with Benzoyl Peroxide?
Hearing about benzene in acne treatments might make you want to throw out every product with benzoyl peroxide—but hold on. The good news is, you don’t need to panic.
Most Products Are Still Safe
The FDA says most benzoyl peroxide products are safe to use, as long as they’re made well and stored correctly. Only a few products were found with higher levels of benzene, and even those were taken off store shelves as a precaution.
Storage and Formulation Matter
When these products are stored in a cool, dry place, they’re less likely to break down and form benzene. Try not to leave them in hot places like cars or steamy bathrooms for too long.
More Research Is Needed
We still need more studies to know if small amounts of benzene from skincare are harmful over time. But for now, it’s okay to keep using benzoyl peroxide—just follow safe use tips and stay updated on product news.
Conclusion
Benzene in skincare is a serious issue, but it’s one the industry can fix. With better quality control, careful ingredient sourcing, and clear storage guidelines, the risk can be greatly reduced. This isn’t an unsolvable mystery—it’s a challenge that needs action, not excuses.
If you’re looking for safe, thoughtfully made skincare, Zicail is here to help. Our team stays on top of the latest research and follows strict standards to ensure you get products you can trust. Reach out to us anytime to learn more or ask questions—we’re always happy to support your skincare journey.
