The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall for select acne treatment products after testing revealed elevated levels of benzene, a chemical linked to cancer. The agency tested 95 benzoyl peroxide acne products and found that more than 90% had undetectable or extremely low levels of benzene. However, six products showed contamination levels high enough to prompt recalls at the retail level.
The recalls are limited to retailers, meaning stores have been instructed to remove affected products from shelves and online marketplaces. Consumers are not required to take any specific action regarding products they already possess. However, the FDA recommends discarding any products that are past their expiration dates.
Recalled Products:
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment (Lot: MYX46W, Exp. April 2025)
- Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser (Lot: 23 09328, Exp. September 2025)
- Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5% (Lots: V3305A, V3304A, Exp. October 2025)
- Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator (Lot: V4204A, Exp. July 2025)
- SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion (Lot: 2430600, Exp. March 2025)
- Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream (Lot: 49707430, Exp. March 2026)
Additionally, Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel is being voluntarily recalled by its manufacturer following its own internal testing that detected elevated benzene levels.
The FDA emphasized that the risk of developing cancer from benzene exposure through these products, even with daily use over many years, is considered very low.
The agency used validated testing methods and will publish full results, including methodologies, in upcoming peer-reviewed journals. Consumers are encouraged to check the lot numbers and expiration dates of their acne products. Expired products should be discarded, especially those from the affected recall list.
The FDA is urging healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse reactions or quality concerns related to benzoyl peroxide acne treatments through its MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
For additional information on the recalls and updates, visit the FDA’s drug recalls page or search the FDA recalls database.
