The FDA has initiated recalls on several popular acne treatments after discovering potentially cancer-causing benzene in them – and you might have these dangerous items in your bathroom right now.
At a glance:
• FDA has recalled six acne products containing elevated levels of benzene, a known carcinogen
• Products from La Roche-Posay, Proactiv, SLMD, and Walgreens are affected by the recall
• Benzene is a degradation product of benzoyl peroxide that forms under certain conditions
• The recalls are primarily at the retail level, but consumers are advised to dispose of expired products
• FDA criticized third-party laboratories for using unvalidated testing methods that cause consumer confusion
Major Brands Affected by FDA Recall
Several prominent skincare brands are facing scrutiny as the Food and Drug Administration announced a voluntary recall of six acne products due to elevated levels of benzene. The FDA’s testing of 95 acne products found that only these six contained potentially dangerous levels of the known carcinogen.
The affected products include La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream, Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, and Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream. Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel was also voluntarily recalled by its manufacturer after discovering elevated benzene levels during internal testing.
RECALL ALERT: The FDA said 95 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide were tested for possible benzene contamination. https://t.co/Z1qyIp0kbo
— wtoc11 (@WTOC11) March 14, 2025
How Benzene Forms in Acne Products
The recall highlights concerns about benzoyl peroxide, a common acne-fighting ingredient that the Cleveland Clinic describes as a substance that “works by decreasing inflammation and killing or preventing the growth of bacteria on your skin.”
According to research published in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, benzene forms when benzoyl peroxide products are exposed to body temperature or elevated temperatures during storage and transportation.
Benzene is a natural chemical found in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke, with exposure linked to increased cancer risk. The American Cancer Society warns that “exposure to benzene has been linked with a higher risk of cancer, particularly leukemia and other cancers of blood cells,” and high exposure can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms like headaches and dizziness.
FDA Recalls La Roche-Posay, Proactiv, Walgreens Acne Products Over Benzene Contamination Concerns https://t.co/qE6Y7FsfZU
— Baller Alert 🚨 (@balleralert) March 13, 2025
What Consumers Should Know
While the FDA states the cancer risk from these products is very low, the recall aims to remove them from sale. The recalls are primarily at the retail level, not consumer level, meaning products are being removed from shelves but consumers are not specifically instructed to discard them.
A La Roche-Posay spokesperson said, “At La Roche-Posay, product safety is our highest priority. While our Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment has a long-standing history of safe and effective use, recent testing revealed minimal traces of benzene in one lot of the product.”
The company is removing the affected product lot and transitioning to a new formula that will be available soon.