A wave of recalls has hit the skincare industry as popular acne treatment products containing benzoyl peroxide have been found to contain elevated levels of benzene, a known carcinogen. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the recall of several products, including those from well-known brands like Proactiv, Walgreens, and La Roche-Posay, after third-party testing revealed the presence of the harmful chemical.

Benzene, a colorless and flammable liquid, is widely used in industrial processes and is also found in cigarette smoke, vehicle emissions, and the burning of coal and oil. While exposure to benzene is a known risk factor for various cancers, particularly leukemia, the FDA has reassured consumers that the risk associated with the recalled acne products remains relatively low, even with prolonged use.

The FDA's investigation was prompted by results from an independent laboratory that discovered high levels of benzene in certain benzoyl peroxide acne treatments. Subsequently, the FDA conducted its own testing on 95 acne treatment products and identified six with elevated benzene levels. These products, now subject to recall, include:

• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment (Lot MYX46W, exp. April 2025)
• Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5% (Lots V3305A, V3304A, exp. October 2025)
• Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator (Lot V2404A, exp. July 2025)
• SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion (Lot 2430600, exp. March 2025)
• Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser (Lot 23 09328, exp. September 2025)
• Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream (Lot 49707430, exp. March 2026)

Additionally, Zapzyt has voluntarily recalled its Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel after its own testing revealed elevated benzene levels.

The recalls are aimed at retail stores, instructing them to remove the affected products from shelves and online platforms. The FDA has not issued specific instructions for consumers who already possess these products, emphasizing that the risk of cancer from exposure to the detected benzene levels is considered very low, even with decades of daily use.

Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in over-the-counter and prescription acne treatments. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that individuals concerned about benzene exposure can explore alternative acne treatments containing salicylic acid, azelaic acid, or topical retinoids.

This recall adds to a growing list of products, including hand sanitizers, aerosols, and sunscreens, that have been recalled in recent years due to benzene contamination. The FDA has committed to publishing the full results of its testing, including data and information on testing methods, in peer-reviewed journals in the coming months