The chemist told about the danger of benzene content in cosmetics

Benzene in cosmetics is dangerous in any concentration. Nadezhda Elina, Deputy head of the Clinical Testing and research department at ESTILAB cosmetics company, told Izvestia on March 14 about why it appears in the composition of skin products.

The appearance of benzene in cosmetics can occur for two reasons. The substance can be used as a solvent in the production of raw materials, for example, in the production of butylhydroxyanisole. Trace amounts of benzene can also be found in propane, butane, which is added to aerosol products.

"In these cases, the finished cosmetic product may contain a so-called trace amount of benzene. By the way, the same benzene, in the absence of other alternatives, can be used as a solvent for the production of certain medicines and pharmaceutical substances, where its maximum permissible residual concentration is set at 2 ppm or 0.0002%," she said.

The second reason for the formation of this carcinogen in cosmetics is a violation of storage conditions.

"Benzoyl peroxide, which was used in La Roche-Posay cream as an antibacterial substance, breaks down under the influence of elevated temperatures or UV radiation, releasing benzene. Benzoyl peroxide in Russia and the countries of the Customs Union is not allowed to be used in cosmetics (but it is possible for medicines) intended for skin care," the expert added.

Substances whose carcinogenicity has been proven in the course of research are restricted or prohibited for use. For example, a few years ago, titanium dioxide (often used as a UV filter) in nanoscale form was classified as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" when inhaled. Therefore, it is now prohibited for use in cosmetics in forms that may lead to effects on the lungs of the end user, the expert added.

"But it is considered safe for skin use. In this case, we can find a carcinogenic substance in the composition of a cosmetic product, but if it is not a spray, then there will be no carcinogenic risk from the use of a cosmetic product. When assessing risks, the target organ affected by the substance is always taken into account," the specialist noted.

Manufacturers are required to produce safe products, she recalled.

"Therefore, labeling does not allow statements that give the impression that the product has a certain advantage. For example, the statements "does not contain benzene" are unacceptable, since benzene is already prohibited for intentional use, or "safe formula", since all products that are on the market must be safe by definition," Elina summed up.

Earlier, on March 10, Bloomberg reported that L'Oreal had withdrawn a batch of La Roche-Posay brand Effaclar Duo cream from sale due to the discovery of traces of benzene content.

Natalia Tkachenko, a cosmetology chemist and founder of the beauty brand Roz Mary, told Izvestia on January 27 that there are several trends in the beauty industry in 2025, including environmental friendliness and transparency of cosmetics formulations. According to her, consumers have become more and more interested in the composition of funds. In addition, there is a growing interest among Russians in cosmetics with minimal packaging and the possibility of recycling containers, which reflects concern for the environment.