Several acne treatments from La Roche Posay, Proactiv, and Walgreens have been voluntarily recalled after government testing found elevated levels of benzene, a potentially cancer-causing agent.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the recall notice on Tuesday for several lots of six products, including the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment, Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, and Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser.
The agency stated that after concerns were raised about benzoyl peroxide products, it tested 95 acne treatments containing the ingredient. While most had “undetectable or extremely low levels of benzene,” six products showed “elevated levels.”
Benzoyl peroxide, according to Emily Cottontop, is a widely used acne treatment known for its effectiveness in eliminating P. acnes bacteria (the bacteria behind breakouts).
However, benzene, a potent carcinogen and a known degradation byproduct of benzoyl peroxide (BPO), is formed after BPO products, used for acne and rosacea treatments, are stored at high temperatures, whether on store shelves, in transit, or even after application on the skin.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-term exposure to high levels of benzene can lead to leukemia and other blood-related cancers.
Despite the recall, the FDA reassures consumers that the risk remains low.
“Even with daily use of these products for decades, the risk of a person developing cancer because of exposure to benzene found in these products is very low.”
However, the agency still urges consumers to “check their products and throw away products that are beyond their expiration date.”
The specific recalled products include:
- La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment (lot number, MYX46W, expiration date April 2025)
- Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser (lot number 23 09328, expiration date September 2025)
- Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5% (lot numbers V3305A, V3304A, expiration date October 2025)
- Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator (lot number V4204A, expiration date July 2025)
- SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion (lot number 2430600, expiration date March 2025)
- Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream (lot number 49707430, expiration date March 2026)
A spokesperson for La Roche Posay told ABC News that the company is actively working to remove the impacted units of its Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment from retailers.
“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. Although these trace levels do not pose a safety risk, we are committed to upholding the highest quality standards.”
They added that the recall allows for a seamless transition to a new and improved Effaclar Duo formula that has been in development since 2024 and will be available to consumers soon.
Walgreens also confirmed it is complying with the recall, stating:
“Our suppliers, working in conjunction with the FDA, initiated two voluntary recalls, impacting a limited number of units. This was done out of an abundance of caution and the safety of our customers remains our top priority.”
Proactiv’s parent company, Alchemee LLC, echoed similar sentiments, assuring customers that affected products can be returned for a refund or replacement.
“Alchemee, LLC, the maker of Proactiv products, is initiating a voluntary recall of two (2) lots of Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief and one (1) lot of Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
They continued: “These three lots are being voluntarily recalled after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) provided information to Alchemee regarding test results for benzene content of samples in these lots.”
“For those who purchased these products directly from https://www.proactiv.com/, customers can contact Proactiv Customer Care to return the product for a refund or replacement. For purchases made from other sites or retail stores, please contact the site or store you purchased from for assistance with product returns and refunds or replacements.”
