Popular skincare brand CeraVe is facing multiple federal lawsuits in the United States over claims that some of its acne treatment products contain unsafe levels of benzene, a chemical linked to cancer.

According to claims circulating online, the lawsuits focus on CeraVe's Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser and Acne Foaming Cream Wash. The concern centres on benzoyl peroxide, a common acne-fighting ingredient that can reportedly break down into benzene under certain conditions, including exposure to heat.

Benzene is classified as a known human carcinogen. Health experts have long warned that prolonged exposure to the chemical may increase the risk of certain cancers.

The allegations claim that laboratory testing conducted by researchers found benzene levels ranging from five to 12 parts per million (ppm) in some products. The reported figures are above the US Food and Drug Administration's limit of two ppm.

The lawsuits argue that consumers were not adequately warned about the potential risk and allege that the affected products remained available for purchase despite the concerns.

The legal cases are ongoing, and the claims have yet to be fully tested in court. Further developments are expected as the lawsuits progress.