Certain Differin Acne Treatments Contain Toxic Carcinogen Benzene, Class Action Alleges

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A proposed class action lawsuit alleges Galderma Laboratories has failed to warn consumers that some of its Differin acne cream products potentially contain a dangerous carcinogen.

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The 33-page lawsuit explains that certain Differin acne cleanser creams contain benzoyl peroxide, which degrades over time into benzene, a petrochemical linked to leukemia and other cancers. The suit contends that the manufacturer “knowingly,” or at least “negligently,” marketed and sold the products, including Differin Daily Deep Cleanser with five percent benzoyl peroxide, without disclosing to consumers that the items risked containing “dangerous amounts” of the carcinogenic chemical.

“Benzene exposure from acne creams are [sic] especially troubling because the creams are applied directly onto the skin,” the case says. “Thus, even a relatively low concentration limit can result in very high total benzene exposure.”

The presence of benzene in the Differin products at issue was detected by Valisure, an independent laboratory established to test the quality of consumer goods on the market, the complaint shares. Per the filing, Valisure announced early this month that benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products are “unstable” and produce benzene, especially when stored at higher temperatures equivalent to a hot bathroom, car or shipping container.

The lab’s study, which analyzed 175 acne treatment products, reportedly found “unacceptable levels” of benzene in Differin Daily Deep Cleanser with five percent benzoyl peroxide, the lawsuit relays.

The suit argues that had the defendant adequately tested its Differin products for the chemical and other impurities, it would have discovered the presence of benzene. Notwithstanding, the actual or potential presence of the cancer-causing substance in the items renders them misbranded, unsafe and illegal to sell under state and federal law, the case charges.

The complaint claims Galderma was aware of the issues surrounding the use of benzoyl peroxide because degradation concerns are well-documented in scientific literature and likely would have been disclosed to the company when it sourced the ingredient.

“Nonetheless, [the defendant] did nothing to mitigate both the possibility of and the harms associated with the degradation of benzoyl peroxide into benzene,” the filing alleges. “Additionally, [the defendant] did not warn consumers regarding the risk [of] benzene or provide handling instructions to limit benzoyl peroxide degradation.”

The lawsuit looks to represent anyone in the United States who purchased Differin acne treatment products with benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient for personal or household use within the applicable statute of limitations period.

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