Several acne treatment products from well-known brands, including La Roche-Posay, Proactiv, and Walgreens, have been voluntarily recalled due to concerns about elevated levels of benzene, a potentially cancer-causing chemical. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall notice on Tuesday, urging retailers to remove specific products from store shelves and online platforms.
Details of the Recall
The recall affects multiple acne treatment products that contain benzoyl peroxide, a widely used ingredient for treating acne. The FDA found that benzoyl peroxide can produce benzene as a byproduct under certain conditions. After testing 95 acne treatment products, the agency determined that six of them contained higher-than-acceptable benzene levels.
The recalled products include:
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment (Lot number: MYX46W, Expiration: April 2025)
- Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser (Lot number: 23 09328, Expiration: September 2025)
- Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5% (Lot numbers: V3305A and V3304A, Expiration: October 2025)
- Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator (Lot number: V4204A, Expiration: July 2025)
- SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion (Lot number: 2430600, Expiration: March 2025)
- Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream (Lot number: 49707430, Expiration: March 2026)
Additionally, another acne treatment, Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel, has been voluntarily recalled by its manufacturer following an independent evaluation.
FDA’s Statement on the Health Risk
The FDA emphasized that the risk of developing cancer from these recalled products is minimal. Even with prolonged daily use over decades, the likelihood of benzene exposure leading to cancer is considered very low. The agency’s recall is strictly at the retail level, meaning that stores must stop selling the affected products. Consumers who have purchased these products are not being instructed to take immediate action but are advised to discard expired products.
Although there is no safe level of benzene exposure for humans, the FDA permits up to 2 parts per million (ppm) in products where benzene is an essential part of manufacturing. However, benzene is not a necessary component in acne treatments, making its presence in these products concerning.
Company Responses to the Recall
Brands affected by the recall have responded, assuring consumers of their commitment to safety and quality standards.
- La Roche-Posay stated that although the trace amounts of benzene found in one lot of their Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment pose no significant health risk, they are voluntarily removing the product from retailers. A spokesperson added that this step also facilitates the introduction of a new and improved formula developed since 2024, which will be launched soon.
- Alchemee LLC, the parent company of Proactiv, is recalling specific lots of Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief and Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator following test results provided by the FDA. The company is offering refunds and replacements for affected products purchased directly from www.proactiv.com and has advised customers to contact retailers for return assistance if they bought the products elsewhere.
- Walgreens confirmed that its suppliers, in cooperation with the FDA, initiated two voluntary recalls as a precautionary measure, reinforcing its commitment to customer safety.
- SLMD has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Understanding Benzene Exposure and Health Risks
Benzene is a widely produced industrial chemical found naturally in crude oil, gasoline, cigarette smoke, and forest fires. It is a key ingredient in manufacturing plastics, synthetic fibers, detergents, dyes, and pesticides. However, prolonged exposure to benzene can disrupt normal cellular function, leading to anemia, immune system suppression, irregular menstrual cycles, and leukemia (cancer of the blood-forming organs).
The severity of benzene poisoning depends on the duration, method, and level of exposure. Possible symptoms include:
- Inhalation exposure: Headaches, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and unconsciousness
- Ingestion exposure: Vomiting, dizziness, and, in extreme cases, death
Given these risks, regulatory agencies like the FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) closely monitor benzene levels in consumer products.
What Consumers Should Do
Since this is a retail-level recall, consumers who have purchased these products are not required to return them. However, they should check the lot numbers and expiration dates listed in the recall and dispose of expired products. Those who purchased recalled Proactiv products directly from the company’s website can request a refund or replacement.
The FDA will release the full findings of its benzene contamination study in the coming months. Meanwhile, consumers are encouraged to monitor official updates and follow product safety guidelines.
While the risk associated with benzene contamination in these acne products remains low, the voluntary recall demonstrates the industry’s commitment to product safety and consumer health. Retailers are actively removing affected items, and manufacturers are working on safer formulations. Consumers should stay informed, check product labels, and discard expired skincare products to minimize exposure risks.
