What's going on with benzyl peroxide and benzene?

Why It’s Time to Rethink Benzoyl Peroxide – And What to Use Instead

For years, benzoyl peroxide (BPO) has been the go-to acne treatment, found in everything from drugstore spot treatments to high-end skincare. It’s marketed as the magic bullet for breakouts, a bacteria-killing powerhouse that clears skin fast.

But here’s the truth: benzoyl peroxide is harsh, drying, and now—thanks to new research—potentially dangerous.

I’ve never recommended it in my practice.

Why? Because acne-prone skin is already struggling with dehydration and inflammation. And benzyl peroxide is incredibly drying and potentially damaging to the skin's barrier that is already struggling. Stripping it further with aggressive treatments only makes things worse.

And now, we have an even bigger reason to rethink it: BPO has been found to break down into benzene, a known carcinogen.

But don’t panic. There are better, safer, and more effective alternatives—ones that support your skin instead of waging war against it. Let’s break it all down.

The Benzoyl Peroxide Problem: What You Need to Know

1. The Science: Benzoyl Peroxide and Benzene Contamination

Last year, a March 2024 study by Valisure revealed that benzoyl peroxide products can degrade into benzene, a chemical strongly linked to leukemia and other cancers. In October, a second study confirmed this, showing that even products stored at room temperature were forming unsafe levels of benzene.

Some exceeded FDA limits by 18 times.

This isn’t a minor issue. The FDA has already issued recalls for several acne treatments, including:

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief

Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser

SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion

If you’ve been using benzoyl peroxide, it’s time to check your labels. For a full list of updated recall products follow this link to the FDA site.

But beyond the recall, there’s a bigger question: why are we still relying on such a harsh ingredient when there are better, skin-supportive alternatives?

2. Why I Never Recommended Benzoyl Peroxide in the First Place

Acne-prone skin isn’t just about clogged pores and bacteria—it’s also inflamed, dehydrated, and barrier-compromised. Benzoyl peroxide might kill bacteria, but it also:

Strips away essential moisture, making skin more reactive and leaving it with less protection.

Damages the skin barrier, leading to irritation and breakouts.

Creates a cycle of over-exfoliation and inflammation, leaving skin red, flaky, and sensitive.

Instead of using products that punish the skin, my approach is about supporting the skin’s natural ability to heal—hydrating, calming inflammation, and balancing oil production without causing damage.

3. The Best Natural Alternatives for Acne—Without the Risk

If benzoyl peroxide isn’t the answer, what is? Nature has us covered. Here are the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing ingredients I use in my holistic acne treatments:

A Holistic Acne Routine That Actually Works

Step 1: Cleanse Without Stripping

Recommended Product: Ginseng & Jojoba Cleanser

Why It Works: Gentle exfoliation with jojoba beads, barrier protection with aloe, and anti-inflammatory benefits from ginseng and wheat germ.

Why It’s Better Than BPO: No harsh sulfates, no skin-stripping detergents—just balanced, nourished skin.

Step 2: Tone with Antibacterial & Pore-Clarifying Botanicals

Recommended Product: Juniper & Clove Toner

Key Ingredients: Clove (a natural antibacterial), juniper for detoxification, and willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid).

Why It’s Better Than BPO: Fights acne bacteria without killing the skin’s microbiome or causing excessive dryness.

Step 3: Treat Acne with a Powerful Yet Gentle Serum

Recommended Product: Zinc & Cinnamon Serum

Key Ingredients: Cinnamon (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory), zinc (controls bacteria), tea tree oil (antimicrobial), apple enzymes (exfoliate gently), and willow bark.

Why It’s Better Than BPO: Instead of destroying the skin barrier, this serum works with your skin to calm inflammation, balance oil, and clear breakouts.

Step 4: Mask to Absorb Oil and Soothe Inflammation

Recommended Product: Oat & Herb Clay Mask

Key Ingredients: Oat (anti-inflammatory and hydrating), aloe (soothes irritation), willow bark (exfoliates), and tea tree oil.

Why It’s Better Than BPO: Purifies without over-drying, supports hydration, and keeps breakouts under control naturally.

Step 5: Moisturize with Skin-Balancing Botanicals

Recommended Product: Sandalwood & Lemon Balm Moisturizer

Key Ingredients: Aloe (hydrates), oat seed extract (soothes and contains azelaic acid), turmeric (reduces inflammation), licorice root (fades post-acne marks), comfrey (supports healing), and sandalwood (antibacterial & calming).

Why It’s Better Than BPO: Acne-prone skin needs moisture, not just oil control—this moisturizer keeps skin hydrated while preventing clogged pores and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

4. The Future of Acne Care: Treating Skin, Not Attacking It

For years, the skincare industry has treated acne like an enemy—one that needs to be aggressively attacked with harsh cleansers, drying treatments, and endless exfoliation. But the truth is, acne isn’t something to be fought—it’s something to be understood and supported.

A truly effective acne regimen goes beyond just topical treatments. The skin is a reflection of what’s happening inside the body, and for many people struggling with acne, the real issue starts beneath the surface—specifically, in the gut and hormones.

The Gut-Skin Connection & Why It Matters for Acne

Your skin and gut are deeply linked, and when there’s inflammation in the gut, it often shows up as inflammation on the skin. Your stomach, skin, and brain microbiomes are all interconnected. Food sensitivities, poor digestion, and imbalanced gut bacteria can trigger acne by increasing systemic inflammation and disrupting the body's ability to detox properly.

Food Sensitivities: Some of the most common triggers for acne include dairy, gluten, soy, and processed sugars, but everyone is different. Getting food sensitivity testing can help identify hidden triggers that may be driving breakouts.

Insulin Resistance & Blood Sugar Spikes: Elevated insulin levels from a high-sugar or high-carb diet can increase oil production and trigger breakouts, especially along the jawline and cheeks. If acne persists despite a good skincare routine, checking insulin levels and balancing blood sugar through diet may be key.

Gut Dysbiosis (Imbalanced Microbiome): A lack of beneficial gut bacteria can weaken the skin barrier and increase inflammation. Supporting gut health through probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber-rich foods can improve acne from the inside out.

By addressing both topical and internal causes of acne, we move from short-term symptom management to long-term skin health.

Final Thoughts: It’s Time for a Change

The news about benzoyl peroxide and benzene contamination should be a wake-up call—but it’s also an opportunity. We don’t need harsh chemicals to clear acne. The right combination of plant-based antibacterial agents, soothing botanicals, barrier-supportive nutrients, and internal wellness support can do the job better, without the side effects.

If you’re ready to break free from the cycle of dryness, irritation, and ineffective acne treatments, I invite you to explore a holistic approach to clear skin.

🌱 Browse my acne-supportive products or book a consultation to get a customized plan tailored to your skin’s needs. Your skin deserves care—not punishment.