FDA Recalls Popular Acne Products Due to Benzene Contamination

Six widely used acne treatments from brands including La Roche-Posay, Proactiv, and Walgreens have been recalled after testing revealed elevated levels of benzene, a cancer-causing chemical. The recall follows extensive testing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which analyzed 95 products containing benzoyl peroxide, a commonly used ingredient in acne treatments that can degrade into benzene.  

Products Affected by the Recall  

The FDA advises consumers to stop using and dispose of any recalled acne products, particularly if they are nearing or past their expiration dates. The following products have been identified:  

- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment (Lot number MYX46W, expiration date April 2025).  

- Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5% (Lot numbers V3305A and V3304A, expiration date October 2025).  

- Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator (Lot number V4204A, expiration date July 2025).  

- Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser (Lot number 23 09328, expiration date September 2025).  

- Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream (Lot number 49707430, expiration date March 2026).  

- SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion (Lot number 2430600, expiration date March 2025).  

Additionally, the maker of Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel has voluntarily recalled the product due to high benzene levels identified during testing.  

Why Benzene Is a Concern  

Benzene is classified as a carcinogen and has been linked to various health risks, including cancer, when present at elevated levels. While exposure to benzene through recalled acne products poses minimal risk to consumers—the FDA said the risk of developing cancer is very low even with decades of daily use—repeated exposure still raises safety concerns.  

Many of the recalled acne treatments contain benzoyl peroxide, which is a common active ingredient used to treat acne. However, benzoyl peroxide can degrade into benzene when exposed to heat or sunlight. Recent studies have also revealed that this degradation can occur even at room temperature.  

Beyond pharmaceutical products, benzene is a naturally occurring chemical found in the environment and cigarette smoke. It is also used in the manufacturing of everyday items like detergents, drugs, and pesticides.  

What to Do If You Use These Products  

If you have been using any of the recalled products, the FDA recommends discontinuing use immediately. Consumers can dispose of the products or return them to the store for a refund.  

The FDA emphasized that while the risk of cancer from using these products is extremely low, caution is warranted following discoveries of benzene contamination. Over the past few years, heightened concerns about benzene exposure have led to multiple recalls of both pharmaceutical and everyday consumer products.  

Experts indicate that while benzoyl peroxide remains effective for acne treatment, manufacturers may need to adopt stronger measures to mitigate benzene formation in their products. As research continues to shed light on how benzoyl peroxide degrades, consumers are encouraged to remain informed and contact their healthcare providers if they have concerns.  

This recall highlights the importance of monitoring product safety to protect consumers from potentially harmful contaminants.