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Forever 21 Faces Second Bankruptcy: Nearly 200 Store Closures Loom

  Forever 21, the once-popular fast-fashion retailer, is preparing to close nearly 200 stores as part of its second bankruptcy filing. The company, which first filed for bankruptcy in 2019, has struggled to compete with rising costs, evolving consumer trends, and fierce competition from online retailers like Shein and Temu.  The closures are expected to impact Forever 21's U.S. operations, with liquidation sales already underway at many locations. While the brand name will remain under the ownership of Authentic Brands Group, the operating company is seeking potential buyers to avoid a complete shutdown.  Forever 21's challenges highlight the shifting landscape of retail, where traditional brick-and-mortar stores face mounting pressure from digital competitors and changing shopping habits. 

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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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