In a significant consumer safety move, the FDA has announced recalls of several popular acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide due to benzene contamination concerns. This recall affects products from major brands, including La Roche-Posay, Proactiv, Walgreens, and SLMD Skincare.

What’s Being Recalled?

The FDA tested 95 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide after receiving concerning third-party test results. While over 90% of tested products had undetectable or extremely low benzene levels, six products showed elevated levels:

Additionally, Zapzyt voluntarily recalled its Acne Treatment Gel after its own testing revealed elevated benzene levels.

The Science Behind the Concern

The issue stems from benzoyl peroxide—a common and effective acne-fighting ingredient—potentially breaking down into benzene under certain conditions. Benzene is a known carcinogen linked to leukemia and other blood disorders.

“At La Roche-Posay, product safety is our highest priority. While our Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment has a longstanding history of safe and effective use, recent testing revealed minimal traces of benzene in one lot of the product,” a La Roche-Posay spokesperson stated.

Research from Valisure, a Connecticut laboratory, found that benzoyl peroxide can decompose into benzene, particularly when exposed to heat or certain types of light. Their testing showed benzene could form at temperatures of 70°C (158°F).

Health Risks: What You Need to Know

Benzene exposure can cause various health effects depending on exposure levels:

• Low-level exposure symptoms: drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremors, confusion
• Long-term exposure risks: increased chance of developing cancers (especially leukemia) and blood disorders

However, the FDA emphasized: “Even with daily use of these products for decades, the risk of a person developing cancer because of exposure to benzene found in these products is very low.”

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What This Means for Consumers

This is a retail-level recall, meaning stores are removing products from shelves, but consumers aren’t specifically instructed to discard products they already own.

If you own affected Proactiv products, the company states: “For those who purchased these products directly from www.proactiv.com, customers can contact Proactiv Customer Care to return the product for a refund or replacement. For purchases made from other sites or retail stores, please contact the site or store you purchased from for assistance with product returns and refunds or replacements.”

The FDA recommends checking expiration dates on your products and discarding any that are past their expiration date.

Industry Response and Future Developments

La Roche-Posay is already working on a solution: “This decision also enables a seamless transition to our new and improved Effaclar Duo formula, which has been in development since 2024 and will be available to consumers soon.”

The FDA plans to publish complete testing results in peer-reviewed journals in the coming months and continues to monitor benzene in drug products.

Storage Recommendations for Benzoyl Peroxide Products

Based on research findings, storing benzoyl peroxide products in cooler environments (like a refrigerator) can significantly reduce the risk of benzene formation. Avoiding heat exposure is particularly important.

Expert Advice for Acne Sufferers

If you’re concerned about benzene exposure but still need acne treatment, dermatologists recommend:

• Using wash-off formulations rather than leave-on products
• Considering alternative acne treatments like salicylic acid or adapalene
• Storing benzoyl peroxide products properly (cool, away from light)
• Consulting with healthcare providers about alternative treatments

The FDA encourages reporting of adverse events or quality problems through their MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program via their website or by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.

The FDA emphasizes the importance of using validated testing methods when evaluating product safety to avoid inaccurate results that may cause unnecessary consumer concern.

Frequently Asked Questions:

FDA Recalls Popular Acne Treatments Due to Benzene Contamination

The FDA has announced recalls of several acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide due to concerns about benzene contamination. Affected brands include La Roche-Posay, Proactiv, Walgreens, and SLMD Skincare. Benzene is a chemical that can increase the risk of cancer. While the FDA assures that the risk from these products is low, they have initiated recalls to ensure consumer safety.