Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief (5% Benzoyl Peroxide)
Summary
Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief scores 2/100. U.S. FDA benzene testing of benzoyl peroxide acne products detected benzene in this product. Benzene is an IARC Group 1 known human carcinogen with no safe exposure level, and at 5% this is the most concentrated benzoyl peroxide in the Proactiv line — BPO is inherently unstable and degrades into benzene over time, faster under heat. The amount detected has not been publicly disclosed. Beyond benzene, this leave-on cream stacks a cyclic siloxane (cyclopentasiloxane / D5, restricted in EU rinse-off cosmetics for environmental persistence), multiple ethoxylated emulsifiers (steareth-2, steareth-21, PPG-1 trideceth-6) that can carry 1,4-dioxane contamination, and undisclosed fragrance. The only redeeming ingredients are the soothing agents panthenol and allantoin.
At a glance
Contaminants 1
Source: U.S. FDA laboratory testing
Benzene Detected High
Detected by FDA testing. Benzene is an IARC Group 1 known human carcinogen with no safe exposure level, causally linked to leukemia and other blood cancers. Any detectable amount in a topical product is a genuine health concern.
U.S. FDA testing.
Key ingredients 9
BenzeneVery Bad
Detected by FDA testing. IARC Group 1 known human carcinogen with no safe exposure level — causally linked to leukemia and other blood cancers.
See more about Benzene →Benzoyl Peroxide 5%Very Bad
Highest BPO concentration in the Proactiv line. BPO is inherently unstable and spontaneously degrades into benzene via free-radical pathways, especially under heat.
See more about Benzoyl Peroxide 5% →Cyclopentasiloxane (D5)Bad
Cyclic siloxane restricted in EU rinse-off cosmetics for environmental persistence (PBT concerns).
See more about Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) →Ethoxylated Emulsifiers (Steareth-2 / Steareth-21 / PPG-1 Trideceth-6)Bad
Ethoxylated ingredients can carry 1,4-dioxane contamination — EPA Group B2 probable carcinogen, Prop 65 listed.
See more about Ethoxylated Emulsifiers (Steareth-2 / Steareth-21 / PPG-1 Trideceth-6) →Undisclosed FragranceBad
Trade-secret blanket term that can legally hide aromachemicals, phthalate solvents, and synthetic musks; a common contact sensitizer.
See more about Undisclosed Fragrance →PhenoxyethanolNeutral
Widely used preservative; safe at cosmetic levels though a possible irritant for sensitive skin.
See more about Phenoxyethanol →Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/DicaprateNeutral
Lightweight emollient ester; generally well tolerated.
See more about Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate →PanthenolGood
Provitamin B5 humectant that soothes and supports barrier repair — helpful given BPO's irritant potential.
See more about Panthenol →AllantoinGood
Soothing, anti-irritant skin conditioner.
See more about Allantoin →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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