On Mar. 11, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public and industry about the results of its recent testing on 95 over-the-counter acne products containing benzoyl peroxide for possible contamination with benzene, a carcinogen. The agency determined that a limited number of acne products should be recalled from retail shelves.1
Human exposures to benzene has been linked to leukemia and other blood disorders. While the FDA stated that the risk from these specific acne products is considered low, prolonged exposure to benzene through inhalation, skin absorption, or ingestion can lead to serious health issues.2
The FDA began independent testing of benzoyl peroxide products after third-party test results “raised concerns about high levels of benzene in some acne products.” The agency noted that its testing found fewer products contaminated with benzene compared to the third-party results.3
Impacted Products
The FDA announced that La Roche-Posay, Proactive, SLMD Skincare, and Walgreens have voluntarily agreed to recall certain acne products due to elevated benzene levels. They stated it is important to note that these recalls are being carried out at the retail level, not the consumer level. Retailers are instructed to remove the affected products from store shelves and online marketplaces, but consumers are not required to take any action regarding products they currently have.
The recalled products include the following:
- La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment
- Proactiv’s Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5%
- Proactiv’s Skin Smoothing Exfoliator
- SLMD Skincare’s Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion
- Walgreens’ Acne Control Cleanser
- Walgreens’ Tinted Acne Treatment Cream
In addition, the manufacturer of another benzoyl peroxide acne product, Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel, has voluntarily recalled the product after discovering elevated levels of benzene in its own testing.4
American Academy of Dermatology Addresses Benzene Concerns in Acne Products
The FDA’s findings from its investigation into benzene levels in acne products containing benzoyl peroxide prompted the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) to update its guidance. The AAD recommends proper storage and handling of these products to avoid benzene contamination.
The AAD also emphasized that research is ongoing and encouraged patients to consult their dermatologists with any concerns. Seemal Desai, MD, past president of the AAD, said:
I think the FDA study shows that the FDA is wanting to act in the best interest of patient safety, first and foremost. I think it’s also very important to point out that they were done on over-the-counter products. This has nothing to do with prescription products.5
If you would like to receive an e-mail notice of the most recent articles published in The Vaccine Reaction each week, click here.
Click here to view References:1 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene; findings show a small number of products with elevated levels of benzene contamination. Mar. 11, 2025.
2 Laws J. Walgreens Products Recalled in All 50 States: Full List of Items Impacted. Newsweek Mar. 20, 2025.
3 Stimson B. Several kinds of acne products recalled over cancer risk, FDA says. Fox News Mar. 14, 2025.
4 FDA. Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene; findings show a small number of products with elevated levels of benzene contamination. Mar. 11, 2025.
5 Grasso G. FDA issues limited acne product recalls, AAD releases statement on benzoyl peroxide. Healio Mar. 13, 2025.
