Statement by Tesia Williams, EVP, Public Affairs & Communications, Personal Care Products Council, on Benzene and Anti-Acne Products

Statement by Tesia Williams, EVP, Public Affairs & Communications, Personal Care Products Council, on Benzene and Anti-Acne Products

The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and our member companies are firmly committed to ensuring consumers have access to cosmetics and personal care products with ingredients that have been thoroughly tested for quality, efficacy and safety, and follow all legal and regulatory requirements. There is nothing more important than safety. If our consumers can't trust the safety of our products, then nothing else matters.

Over-the-counter (OTC) drug products such as anti-acne treatments are highly regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which has reviewed and determined benzoyl peroxide is a safe and effective anti-acne ingredient. Consumers have safely used anti-acne products for decades.

The findings in Valisure's latest study are based on unproven, questionable testing methods applying unrealistic conditions that are inconsistent with the way the products would be stored normally. In a December 2022 letter, the FDA highlighted multiple deficiencies in Valisure's analytical methods, stating that the lab should follow the same testing methods that drug manufacturers are required to use. Unfortunately, Valisure has yet to adhere to the FDA's guidance and is continuing to publish studies based on questionable testing methods.