Seven acne treatment products containing benzoyl peroxide, including some made by Proactiv and Walgreens, have been recalled for possible benzene contamination, according to a March 11 alert from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA tested 95 products after receiving third-party test results that found elevated levels of benzene in certain acne treatment products. Most of the products tested had undetectable or extremely low levels of the chemical emitted by cars and from burning coal and oil. It also is found in industrial products. Exposure to benzene can increase a person’s risk of cancer, particularly leukemia, according to the American Cancer Society.
Manufacturers volunteered to recall six products that the FDA found to have elevated benzene levels. Retailers should remove them from physical and online stores, but consumers are not being asked to take action with products in their possession. The products are:
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment, Lot MYX46W, expiring April 2025;
- Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5%, lots V3305A and V3304A, expiring October 2025;
- Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, lot V2404A, expiring July 2025;
- SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, lot 2430600, expiring March 2025;
- Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, lot 23 09328, expiring September 2025; and
- Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream, lot 49707430, expiring March 2026.
Manufacturer Zapzyt also volunteered to recall its Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel after an elevated level of benzene was found during in-house testing.
Benzoyl peroxide is commonly used in over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments. The American Academy of Dermatology advises consumers who are concerned about using products containing benzoyl peroxide to consider options that contain salicylic acid, azelaic acid or topical retinoids.
The FDA asks that consumers or clinicians report any adverse events associated with the recalled products to its MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.
