L’Oréal has announced the recall of its popular acne treatment Effaclar Duo, sold under the La Roche-Posay brand, due to serious concerns over potential contamination with the cancer-causing chemical benzene. This recall, instituted on March 10, 2025, aligns with findings from independent testing laboratories and has raised significant alarm among consumers and health professionals alike.
Effaclar Duo, known for its effectiveness at treating acne blemishes, incorporates benzoyl peroxide, which is effective at killing bacteria. The product has been praised for its quick action, with claims of reducing the severity and number of acne spots and blemishes within three days. Retail prices for the product range from $22.99 for the 20ml size to $35.99 for the 40ml size, as detailed on the La Roche-Posay website.
One year prior to the recall, Valisure, an independent lab based in Connecticut, reported findings of high levels of benzene contamination across several acne products containing benzoyl peroxide. Their report highlighted alarmingly high levels of benzene, at times exceeding 800 times the federally allowed limits, prompting calls for tighter regulation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite the warnings, the FDA has not yet taken definitive action or issued recalls for other products.
On March 10, L’Oréal stated, “We have proactively decided to remove the limited remaining units of the current formula of Effaclar Duo from retailers,” emphasizing their collaboration with the FDA during the process. The company plans to transition to a new and improved formula, which has been under development since 2024 and will be available shortly.
The recall is primarily targeting the U.S. market, and as stated by L’Oréal, it does not presently affect sales or distributions of the product outside the U.S., particularly not within the UK where the formulation differs. The benzoyl peroxide present in the U.S. version of Effaclar Duo is known to break down and potentially form benzene under certain conditions, particularly when exposed to heat.
The ramifications of benzene exposure are potentially dire, leading to long-term health risks, including blood cancers such as leukemia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorizes benzene as hazardous and highlights its risks, including effects on red blood cell production and immune function. Overexposure to benzene can also result in dizziness, headaches, and irregular heartbeats.
This recall coincides with earlier incidents where major brands also had to recall products due to benzene contamination. Just four months before the Effaclar Duo recall, Dynarex Corporation recalled nearly 42,000 bottles of baby powder due to asbestos concerns, adding fuel to the growing scrutiny over product safety. Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson faced its own recall of aerosol sunscreen items after discovering levels of benzene.
Valisure’s previous studies not only implicated L’Oréal but also identified benzene presence in popular acne products from other major brands including Proactiv, Target's Up & Up, and CVS Health Corp, underscoring widespread issues across the industry. The FDA has not yet provided concrete regulations or updates pertaining to benzoyl peroxide and its associated risks, leaving consumers feeling more uncertain about the safety of similar products.
Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, professor at Yale School of Medicine and editor-in-chief of Dermatology Times, addressed the concerns surrounding the Effaclar Duo recall during the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting. He noted, “Recalls stem from findings indicating benzoyl peroxide can degrade to benzene, which is known to pose cancer risks. While no immediate health crisis arises from this recall, it highlights the necessity for enhanced formulation stability.”
Public response has been mixed, with many expressing disappointment over the recall of what they’ve hailed as the “best spot treatment for acne.” An online review published on the same day as the announcement read, “I put this on overnight on my spots and blemishes and then wake up the next morning with the spot barely visible!” Feeling reassured to continue usage may be challenging for consumers amid these health warnings.
The FDA and L’Oréal’s potential next steps remain unclear as they navigate the fallout of this recall. Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and return any remaining units of Effaclar Duo to their retailers for refunds. The industry, in light of the clarity shared by experts, may need to reassess not only the formulation of benzoyl peroxide products but also the surrounding guidelines and legislation to protect customer safety.
More updates are expected as health regulators and L’Oréal communicate concerning potential developments, both for the safety of consumers and the future of acne treatment formulations. For now, the recall serves as a cautionary tale of the importance of product safety, potentially influencing how skincare products are formulated and regulated moving forward.