FDA

FDA: Retail recalls issued for 6 acne products with benzene contamination

March 19, 2025

FDA tested 95 acne benzoyl peroxide products for benzene contamination and identified six products with elevated levels, prompting retail-level recalls. The affected products include:

• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment
• Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser
• Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5%
• Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator
• SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion
• Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream

The agency's findings were less severe than third-party reports, which had initially raised concerns. Despite the contamination, the risk of cancer from benzene exposure in these products is very low, even with long-term use, according to an FDA statement. Several companies will recall certain products from stores and online marketplaces, but consumers can continue using the products they already have.

Source:

(2025, March 11). FDA. Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene; findings show a small number of products with elevated levels of benzene contamination. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/limited-number-voluntary-recalls-initiated-after-fda-testing-acne-products-benzene-findings-show