Products intended for the treatment of acne and other skin conditions could break down into cancer-causing substances when improperly stored, according to a report in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
Topical treatments for both acne and rosacea that contain benzoyl peroxide (BPO) can degrade into the known carcinogen benzene if they are stored at room temperature or higher. Exposure to ultraviolet rays, including those found in sunlight, can also trigger the products' transformation into a carcinogen, according to the study.
