CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash (10% Benzoyl Peroxide)
At a glance
Summary
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash (10% BPO) scores 1/100 because Valisure's March 2024 stability testing detected Benzene at 5–12 ppm — roughly 6x the FDA's 2 ppm limit for any drug product. Benzene is a Group 1 known human carcinogen (IARC) with no safe exposure level, generated when the 10% benzoyl peroxide active degrades. The 10% BPO concentration is a maximum-strength dose that increases skin irritation risk on top of the carcinogen contamination, and offsets the brand's ceramide and niacinamide story.
Contaminants 1
Source: Valisure
Benzene 5–12 ppm — 6x FDA limit, Valisure 2024 High
Detected at a high level — at or above health-based exposure limits. Regular exposure at this level is a genuine health concern. Benzene is classified by IARC as a Group 1 known human carcinogen with no safe exposure level and is causally linked to leukemia and other blood cancers. The contamination is generated when the benzoyl peroxide active degrades over time and at warmer temperatures.
Valisure's March 2024 stability testing detected Benzene at 5 to 12 parts per million in this product, roughly 6 times the FDA's 2 ppm restriction for any drug product. Valisure formally petitioned the FDA to recall benzoyl peroxide acne products on this basis.
Key ingredients 12
Benzoyl Peroxide 10% (max-strength, generates benzene)Very Bad
Benzoyl Peroxide at 10 percent is the maximum strength available in over-the-counter acne wash. While effective against acne-causing bacteria, this concentration significantly increases skin irritation and dryness risk, and produces more benzene during decomposition than lower-percentage formulations.
See more about Benzoyl Peroxide 10% (max-strength, generates benzene) →Propylene GlycolBad
Propylene glycol is a synthetic humectant and penetration enhancer. It can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and increases the skin absorption of other ingredients, including the carcinogen contamination here.
See more about Propylene Glycol →Sodium C14-16 Olefin SulfonateBad
Harsh sulfate surfactant — more aggressive than SLS. Strips the skin lipid barrier and is a documented irritant with repeated use.
See more about Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate →PhenoxyethanolBad
Preservative restricted by the EU at higher use levels over infant neurotoxicity concerns; peer-reviewed studies report toxicity to human gland cells at approved concentrations.
See more about Phenoxyethanol →Tetrasodium EDTABad
Chelator that also acts as a penetration enhancer — pushes other ingredients (including any benzene present) deeper into the skin.
See more about Tetrasodium EDTA →Diethylhexyl Sodium SulfosuccinateBad
Foam-boosting surfactant with documented skin and eye irritation; EWG flags it for manufacturing contamination concerns.
See more about Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate →Trideceth-6Bad
PEG-derived surfactant — the PEG manufacturing process can leave 1,4-dioxane (EPA probable human carcinogen) as a contaminant. Not tested for on the label.
See more about Trideceth-6 →PEG-30 DipolyhydroxystearateBad
Same 1,4-dioxane contamination concern as other PEG compounds; PEGs also act as penetration enhancers, driving other ingredients deeper into skin.
See more about PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate →Glycolic AcidGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
See more about Glycolic Acid →Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP)Good
Ceramides are lipids naturally present in the skin barrier; topical application helps restore and maintain barrier function, partially counteracting the drying effect of 10% BPO.
See more about Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) →NiacinamideGood
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a well-tolerated, evidence-backed ingredient that calms inflammation, supports the skin barrier, and helps regulate sebum production.
See more about Niacinamide →Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)Good
Sodium hyaluronate is a humectant that attracts and holds water in the skin, helping to offset the drying effect of 10% benzoyl peroxide.
See more about Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) →Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping
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