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Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies are warmly spiced, with crisp edges and soft centers—perfect for holiday decorating and eating. Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar ¾ cup unsulfured molasses 1 large egg Instructions Mix dry ingredients : In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Cream butter & sugar : In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses and egg. Combine : Gradually add dry mixture until dough forms. Chill dough : Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Roll & cut : Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake : Place on parchment-lined sheets and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set. Cool & decorate : Let cool com...

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Cancer-Causing Chemical Detected in Acne Treatments: Brands Under Scrutiny

 


In a recent alarming discovery, independent U.S. laboratory Valisure has detected high levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene in certain acne treatments. Brands affected include:

  1. Clinique (Estee Lauder)
  2. Clearasil (Reckitt Benckiser-owned)
  3. Proactiv
  4. Target Corp.'s Up & Up
  5. PanOxyl
  6. Walgreens’ acne soap bar
  7. Walmart’s Equate Beauty acne cream

Benzene, a known carcinogen, was found not only in the acne products themselves but also in the air around incubated products, suggesting a potential inhalation risk. Valisure has filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging product recalls, investigations, and revised industry guidance. The situation is substantially different from previous cases where benzene impurities came from contaminated ingredients. Here, benzene originates directly from the benzoyl peroxide itself, forming at unacceptably high levels.

Consumers are advised to stay informed as regulatory responses unfold. The FDA’s reaction to Valisure’s petition remains pending. Companies implicated in this issue, including Estee Lauder, have yet to respond to media inquiries.

As we await further developments, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and informed choices when it comes to skincare products. 









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