Why Benzene Exposure Matters in Skincare
Benzene is a chemical compound that has been found in many common skincare and personal care products. Understanding where it comes from and why it matters can help you make better choices about what you put on your skin.
What is Benzene and Where Does It Come From?
Benzene is a known carcinogen, meaning it has the potential to cause cancer. In skincare products, benzene doesn’t always appear as a direct ingredient. Instead, it can form when certain combinations of ingredients mix together. One common way this happens is when sodium benzoate, a preservative, combines with ascorbic acid, which is vitamin C. When these two ingredients are present in the same product, they can create benzene as a byproduct.
Another problematic combination involves potassium benzoate mixed with ascorbic acid. These ingredient pairings are particularly concerning because the chemical reaction that creates benzene can happen right in the product bottle or on your skin.
How Common is Benzene in Skincare?
Benzene contamination in skincare products is more widespread than many people realize. Research has identified benzene in a significant portion of tested products. In sunscreens alone, one study found benzene in 80 percent of tested products, with some containing levels considered to be high. Dry shampoos have also been found to contain benzene, leading to legal settlements and recalls of popular brands.
The presence of benzene in these products has prompted regulatory attention and consumer awareness campaigns. Some companies have reformulated their products and submitted them for retesting to address these contamination issues.
Why Should You Care About Benzene Exposure?
Long-term exposure to benzene has been linked to serious health risks. The chemical can increase the risk of bone marrow disorders and other health complications. Because skincare products are applied directly to your skin, often on a daily basis, the potential for cumulative exposure is significant. This is especially true for products like sunscreen and dry shampoo that many people use regularly.
The concern is heightened because many consumers don’t realize they might be exposed to benzene through their skincare routine. Unlike some other harmful chemicals, benzene isn’t always listed on product labels as an ingredient since it forms as a byproduct of ingredient combinations rather than being added intentionally.
How to Reduce Your Risk
If you want to minimize your exposure to benzene, there are several steps you can take. First, check product ingredient lists for sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate combined with ascorbic acid or vitamin C. If a product contains both of these ingredients, it carries a higher risk of benzene formation.
Second, look for products that avoid these problematic ingredient combinations altogether. Some brands specifically formulate their products to exclude sodium benzoate, reducing the risk of benzene formation. Third, consider choosing products from companies that have committed to testing for benzene contamination and reformulating when necessary.
You can also reduce your overall exposure by being selective about which products you use daily. Sunscreen is important for skin protection, but choosing a sunscreen that has been tested for benzene contamination is a smart approach. Similarly, if you use dry shampoo regularly, researching brands that have addressed benzene concerns is worthwhile.
The Bigger Picture
Benzene in skincare is just one example of how chemical ingredients in personal care products can pose health risks. The skincare industry is complex, and not all harmful substances are immediately obvious to consumers. By understanding where benzene comes from and how it enters products, you can make more informed decisions about the items you use on your skin every day.
Taking time to read ingredient lists and understanding ingredient combinations is a practical way to protect yourself. While the risk from any single product might be low, the cumulative effect of daily exposure to multiple products containing benzene or other harmful chemicals can add up over time.
Sources
https://journals.ipinnovative.com/ijpp/archive/volume/10/issue/3/article/23448
https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/blogs/guides-and-product-reviews/safe-face-cream-guide
https://www.shefinds.com/collections/home-items-cancer-risk-swaps/
