In Case You Haven’t Heard the News
L'Oréal has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of its Effaclar Duo acne treatment due to concerns over benzene contamination. Benzene, a known carcinogen, was found in high levels in products containing benzoyl peroxide (BPO), a common ingredient used to combat acne.
These kinds of concerns are nothing new. Around this time last year, the independent quality assurance company, Valisure Labs, petitioned for a nationwide recall after finding unsafe levels of benzene in dozens of acne products.
Given the well-documented risks associated with BPO, we applaud L’Oreal’s decision to issue a recall. And we hope others in the industry will follow suit.
There’s a Difference Between BPO and Benzene
It’s important to note that benzoyl peroxide itself isn’t necessarily harmful; though it does tend to sting and irritate the skin. When benzoyl peroxide decomposes, though, benzene is a common result. Valisure’s report cited that 94 of 99 BPO acne products tested contained benzene.
Is Benzene Really That Bad, Though?
Yeah, it is. Benzene exposure is linked to leukemia and other cancers. It can irrevocably damage your liver, kidneys, respiratory system, immune system, and central nervous system—the kinds of things your body can’t function without.
So, why even risk it? Well, severe acne really sucks and benzoyl peroxide works. But using BPO to clear breakouts is like roasting marshmallows with a flamethrower; there are better ways to do it that definitely won’t put you in the hospital.
There Are Safe and Effective Ways to Fight Acne
BPO is considered a monotherapy - a treatment that relies on a single active ingredient. However, research has shown that combination therapies - those that incorporate multiple ingredients - can also combat acne effectively. It was this same research that inspired Geologie to develop Clear System—our line of BPO-free acne formulas, clinically tested to prove that it effectively treats acne without negative side effects or risk of benzene contamination.
Combination Therapies Work Wonders
To get rid of acne for good, you have to do four things well: deep clean clogged pores, regulate the body’s natural oil production, clear away dead skin, and kill bacteria that causes inflammation and redness. If you win the battle on all four of those fronts, acne won’t be a problem for you anymore. And that’s exactly what Clear System is designed to do.
Our formulas use dermatologist-trusted ingredients that are proven to deliver results without compromising safety. For example, salicylic acid unclogs pores, retinol exfoliates, and niacinamide keeps oil in check while it soothes inflammation and reduces redness.
The bottom line is: you don’t need harmful chemicals to beat breakouts. And there is absolutely no reason to take the risk when safe alternatives exist.
