On March 11, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the voluntary recall of numerous skin care products due to the potential contamination with benzene, recognized as a carcinogen. This recall particularly affects multiple acne treatment products containing benzoyl peroxide from well-known brands including La Roche-Posay, Proactiv, and Walgreens.
The recalled products include six different items: Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, and La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment. The decision to recall these products follows government testing which has revealed minimal yet detectable levels of benzene, prompting the FDA to take precautionary measures.
Benzene is notoriously known for its links to serious health issues, including leukemia and other blood-related cancers. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prolonged exposure to high levels of benzene can be harmful and is associated with various forms of cancer.
Despite these health risks, the FDA noted the products pose only a "very low" risk of cancer, even with extensive usage. “Even with daily use of these products for decades, the risk of developing cancer because of exposure to benzene found is very low,” the agency stated, emphasizing the precautionary nature of this recall.
Retailers are required to remove the affected products from their shelves and online marketplaces, but customers who have purchased these products are not explicitly advised to take any action. The FDA only recommends consumers to safely dispose of any products past their expiration date, which for the recalled items ranges from April 2025 to March 2026.
A spokesperson for La Roche-Posay confirmed the recall, which entails the proactive removal of their Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment from retailers, asserting their commitment to safety and quality. The spokesperson mentioned, “While our Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment has a long-standing history of safe and effective use, recent testing revealed minimal traces of benzene. Although these trace levels do not pose safety risks, we are committed to upholding the highest quality standards.”
Alchemee LLC, the manufacturer of Proactiv, similarly addressed the recall with transparency, offering customers refunds or replacements. They are recalling two lots of Proactiv's Emergency Blemish Relief and one lot of the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator after testing revealed unwanted levels of benzene.
Walgreens, too, is cooperating with the recall efforts and reassured its customers about their safety protocols. “Our suppliers, working with the FDA, initiated two voluntary recalls,” said the company. “This was done out of an abundance of caution and the safety of our customers remains our top priority.”
Expert analysis from the FDA indicates benzene can be inadvertently formed as a byproduct during the manufacturing of certain products, including those which utilizes benzoyl peroxide. The agency’s recent tests involved 95 acne treatment products, which identified only six as having detectable benzene levels requiring action.
Beyond just these specific products, prior recalls involving benzene have extended to hand sanitizers, aerosols, and sunscreens, illustrating the frequent scrutiny surrounding benzene's presence across various consumer goods.
According to the National Library of Medicine, the dangers of benzene exposure can vary greatly depending on the degree and duration of exposure. The medical community adds concerns about benzene's potential to disrupt normal blood cell function, leading to anemia and other significant health issues.
Doctors recommend vigilance concerning the products consumers use daily, advising them to regularly check their supplies and to handle any recalls with care. The FDA promises its continuous monitoring of consumer products for safety and the assurance of quality will continue.
For customers who have used the affected Proactiv products directly from their website, they are directed to contact the Proactiv Customer Care team to arrange for product returns and refunds. Others who purchased through different retailers should follow up directly with those stores for assistance.
While the immediate risk from these products is assessed to be low, the FDA encourages consumers to maintain awareness of product recalls and advisories to protect their health and well-being effectively.
This recall highlights the importance of rigorous safety standards and the proactive steps companies take to uphold it, reinforcing consumer trust during challenging times.