Several popular acne treatments have been recalled due to potential contamination with benzene, a substance known to increase cancer risk with long-term exposure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted testing on these products after concerns were raised by third-party testing. As a result, the FDA has initiated the recall of several acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, as they were found to potentially contain benzene. Out of the 95 products tested, six products, along with one independently tested product, are being removed from shelves due to the presence of benzene.
The FDA clarified that over 90% of the tested products had either undetectable or very low levels of benzene. The recall is currently at a retail level, instructing retailers to remove the affected products from shelves and online platforms. Consumers are advised to check their collections for the impacted products and discard any items that have expired or are nearing expiration dates.
The affected products and their corresponding lot numbers and expiration dates include:
– La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment, Lot MYX46W, Expires April 2025
– Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, Lot 23 09328, Expires September 2025
– Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5%, Lots V3305A and V3304A, Expires October 2025
– Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, Lot V4204A, Expires July 2025
– SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, Lot 2430600, Expires March 2025
– Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream, Lot 49707430, Expires March 2026
Additionally, Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel has been voluntarily recalled by its manufacturer. It is important to note that the FDA’s testing revealed fewer products with benzene contamination compared to the results from the third-party testing.
Benzene is a chemical compound found naturally and through human activities, such as in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Prolonged exposure to benzene is linked to an increased risk of cancer. The FDA considers benzene a Class 1 solvent and advises against its use in drug manufacturing unless absolutely necessary.
If you possess any of the listed products, it is recommended to discontinue their use and follow the instructions provided by the FDA and respective manufacturers regarding the recall.
The FDA has issued a voluntary recall for certain products, so individuals affected do not need to take any action at this time. However, if you are worried, you have the option to discontinue use or dispose of the items. The FDA will release detailed test results in the coming months, along with information on testing procedures. The agency wants to emphasize the importance of product safety to manufacturers, distributors, repackagers, and importers, highlighting the risks of using unvalidated testing methods that can yield inaccurate results and confuse consumers. If you have any concerns about product quality, you can report them to the FDA through the MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting system.
