Technology and ruthlessness in European and American cosmetics at the beginning

According to a report by Reuters on March 6th local time, Valisure, an independent laboratory in the United States, has detected high levels of the chemical carcinogen benzene in acne treatment products from brands such as Clinique and Proactiv from Est é e Lauder, Clearasil from R&G, and Up&Up from Target Department Store.

The laboratory claims that the levels of benzene found in certain sunscreens and dry cleaning shampoos may be "excessively high" in prescription and over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products. Meanwhile, high levels of benzene were found not only in the tested acne products, but also in the air surrounding the incubated products, indicating that carcinogens may leak out of some packaging, posing a potential inhalation risk.

It is reported that the laboratory has submitted a petition to the US Food and Drug Administration, calling on regulatory agencies to recall these products, conduct investigations, and revise industry guidance.

After the report was released, the stock price of Est é e Lauder fell by 3%. However, as of now, neither Target nor Est é e Lauder have responded to Reuters' request for comment.

The report states that this carcinogen has been found in several consumer products, including sunscreen, hand sanitizers, etc. However, Valisure stated that the benzene detected in acne treatment products is "significantly different" from other cases. Valisure co-founder and president David said, "The benzene found in other consumer products such as sunscreen is an impurity from contaminated ingredients, while the benzene in benzoyl peroxide products comes from itself."

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States suggests that high levels of benzene may lead to leukemia. In the past three years, relevant situations have been detected in several popular cosmetics products, increasing consumer awareness of potential threats to cosmetics.

In fact, benzene, a carcinogen, has been found in many cosmetics in Europe and America, such as sunscreen, hand sanitizers, and dry cleaning shampoo, which have all been recalled due to the presence of benzene. And internationally renowned companies such as Procter&Gamble and Johnson&Johnson have also been exposed for exceeding benzene levels.

The test results show that the benzene content of some products can exceed the FDA's "conditional limit" for benzene concentration by 800 times. The 10% benzoyl peroxide face cream produced by Clearasil was initially within the FDA limit, but after more than two weeks of exposure to high temperature, the benzene content soared to 308 parts per million. Clinique's products reached 401 parts per million, Proactiv 2.5% benzoyl peroxide face cream's benzene content reached 1761 parts per million, and a similar face cream of Target also reached 1598 parts per million.

According to fair media reports, a new study shows that more than half of cosmetics sold in the United States and Canada contain industrial compounds that pose serious health risks, which may lead to symptoms such as cancer and weakened immunity in users.

According to the Associated Press, researchers from Notre Dame University tested more than 230 kinds of commonly used cosmetics. Among the tested cosmetics, 56% of foundation make-up and eye products, 48% of lip products and 47% of eye black all contain fluorine. This chemical is an indicator to identify the content of PFAS. PFAS refers to perfluoroalkyl substances, commonly used in non stick frying pans, carpets, and other daily necessities.

The lead researcher of the study, Graham Pisley, a physics professor at Notre Dame University, stated that the use of these cosmetics poses direct and long-term hazards, as well as the risk of environmental pollution.

People use cosmetics to appear younger and more beautiful, as well as to make their skin healthier. But who would have thought that the cosmetics applied to the face every day, especially well-known skincare products from expensive brands that consumers heavily rely on, may contain huge hidden dangers, even toxic sources, and may cause serious harm to the skin and even the body?

Moreover, for consumers, the negative psychological impact and physical harm caused by using these products for a long time cannot be avoided, and this cannot be solved by returning or exchanging goods. Especially for consumers who are superstitious about European and American cosmetics, it should be taken as a warning.