Clearasil Lawsuit Alleges Cancer-Causing Benzene in Acne Products

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit has been filed against RB Health, LLC, the owner of Clearasil, alleging the company's acne products contain benzene, a known carcinogen.

Consumers Affected: Consumers who purchased Clearasil products.

Court: U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois

Clearasil’s acne treatment products contain benzene, a known carcinogen, according to a new lawsuit. The lawsuit claims that benzoyl peroxide (BPO), an active ingredient in Clearasil, degrades over time into benzene, putting consumers at risk of developing cancer. 

According to the lawsuit, this process makes the product illegal to sell under federal law, as benzene is not an intended ingredient and its use in skincare products is not unavoidable. 

“The presence of benzene in the products renders them adulterated and misbranded, and therefore illegal to sell under both federal and state law,” the lawsuit states. 

Clearasil Products Contain Cancer-Causing Benzene, Lawsuit Claims

Illinois resident Lucinda O’Dea filed the proposed class action lawsuit against the owner of Clearasil, RB Health, LLC, alleging violations of Illinois trade laws, as well as unjust enrichment, and more. O'Dea purchased Clearasil from a CVS store in Chicago, relying on the product’s labeling and advertising, which indicated that it was safe and free from defects, she says. 

Clearasil is marketed as a safe and effective acne treatment, and the lawsuit alleges that the product's labels and advertisements misrepresent its safety. O’Dea claims that had she known the product could contain benzene, she would not have purchased it. 

RB Health, she argues, tricked her and other consumers into paying more for the products, while also putting them in danger, by failing to properly inform them about the dangers of benzene in its products, she alleges.

What Is Benzene And What Are Its Health Risks?

Benzene is a toxic chemical found in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. It is classified as a Class 1 solvent by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, meaning it should not be used in drug products due to its carcinogenic properties. Long-term exposure to benzene has been linked to serious health issues, including leukemia and other cancers, as well as immune system and bone marrow damage. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that even minimal exposure to benzene can pose health risks. Despite this, the lawsuit alleges that Clearasil’s benzoyl peroxide, which degrades into benzene over time, creates an unsafe risk for consumers.

How Did Benzene Allegedly Get Into Clearasil Products?

The presence of benzene in Clearasil products results from the degradation of benzoyl peroxide, an acne-fighting agent, the lawsuit alleges. Over time, the benzoyl peroxide breaks down, producing benzene as a byproduct. 

According to the lawsuit, Clearasil’s manufacturer failed to detect or prevent this chemical reaction, which could have been mitigated through alternative formulations. The presence of benzene in skincare products, which is neither disclosed nor intentionally added, violates federal safety standards, rendering the product misbranded and unsafe for consumers, according to the lawsuit.

Benzene Concerns Prompt Recalls Of Other Skincare Products

Clearasil is not the only product facing scrutiny over benzene contamination. In recent years, other personal care products such as sunscreens and deodorants have been recalled for containing benzene. 

Notable recalls include Johnson & Johnson’s Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol sunscreens, Coppertone sunscreen sprays, and Banana Boat Hair & Scalp sunscreen sprays. These products were found to contain benzene, leading to widespread consumer concern and the potential for legal actions similar to the Clearasil case. 

The FDA continues to monitor benzene levels in personal care products, advising consumers to remain vigilant about product recalls.

Consumer Lawsuits Target Companies Over Toxic Ingredients

The Clearasil lawsuit joins a growing list of legal actions over toxic ingredients in consumer products. One of the most well-known cases involves Johnson & Johnson, which has faced thousands of lawsuits over its talc-based baby powder. 

Plaintiffs claim that the talc used in the product contains asbestos, a known carcinogen, which has led to cases of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Additionally, lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of Roundup weed killer, which contains glyphosate, a chemical linked to cancer, and against Band-Aid makers for allegedly including PFAS, harmful "forever chemicals," in their products.

In the Clearasil benzene class action lawsuit, O’Dea wants to represent consumers from across the country as she accuses RB Health, LLC, of violating the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Trade Practices Act and unjust enrichment. She is seeking damages, injunctive relief, restitution, fees, and costs.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: O’Dea v. RB Health (US) LLC
• Case Number: 2:24-Cv-07048-Cas-As
• Court: U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Gary M. Klinger, Nick Suciu III. J. Hunter Bryson, Luis Cardona (Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC)
• Philip L. Fraietta (Bursor & Fisher, P.A.)

Have you used Clearasil or other benzoyl peroxide acne products? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.