Skincare Specimen file

Clearasil Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Cream

Flagged by third-party testing for very high benzene: a lawsuit defendant (not FDA-recalled).

Reviewed Jul 5, 2026 by Trusted Labels Editorial Team

Safety Finding · 2024 Valisure benzene petition (very high reading) Valisure's 2024 FDA petition reported ~308 ppm benzene in a Clearasil 10% BPO cream under its OWN accelerated high-temperature testing (the FDA limit is 2 ppm): not an FDA-confirmed or normal-use level. Clearasil was NOT among the FDA's March 2025 recalls. Ongoing concern/litigation. Source →

Lawsuit · 2024 Benzoyl-peroxide benzene class actions Clearasil is named in class actions alleging BPO products can form benzene without warning. Ongoing. Source →

Our take

Why It’s on Our Radar

We don't recommend the high-strength BPO products. Independent testing flagged very high benzene and there is active litigation, though note it was not FDA-recalled.

What's inside

Ingredients & Safety

Benzoyl peroxide (up to 10%), which can degrade into benzene; third-party testing reported an unusually high level.

Worth a closer look 1 ingredient we flag

Caution Benzoyl Peroxide 10% (sometimes listed as BPO) An acne active that can chemically break down into benzene, a known carcinogen, especially when stored warm: the basis of the 2024–2025 FDA testing and recalls.

Ingredient list reviewed

Benzoyl Peroxide 10%
Water also listed as Aqua, Purified Water
Glycerin also listed as Glycerine, Vegetable Glycerin

Formula scope: the disclosed ingredient list captured for this review. Formulas can differ by product, scent, country, and date; compare the current package with this list before deciding.

Want a cleaner option? Three Ships in Skincare currently meets our top criteria. Review its formula scope and cited records before deciding.

Who owns it

Ownership & Independence

Clearasil is owned by the consumer-goods group Reckitt Benckiser.

Ownership record Acquired

Founded: 1950
Headquarters: Slough, UK
Control: Owned by Reckitt Benckiser

Products covered

Key Products

We don't link to buy products we flag. Read why above, or see Three Ships, which meets our top criteria.

Rapid Rescue / Daily Clear BPO products

Evidence

Sources & Reports

External references used in this review. Links open in new tabs.

report Valisure Citizen Petition: benzene in benzoyl peroxide www.valisure.com lawsuit Wisner Baum: benzoyl-peroxide class actions www.wisnerbaum.com

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