FDA Recalls Acne Treatments Over Benzene Contamination

Six benzoyl peroxide-based products pulled from shelves after testing revealed elevated levels of the cancer-linked chemical.

The FDA has issued a retail-level recall for six acne treatment products containing benzoyl peroxide due to elevated benzene levels.
Products affected include La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, and Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, among others.
Benzene, a known carcinogen, can cause leukemia and other cancers with prolonged exposure, though the FDA emphasizes the risk from these products is very low.
The recall follows FDA testing of 95 acne treatment products, with only six found to have elevated benzene levels, likely from manufacturing byproducts.
Consumers are not required to take action, but retailers are instructed to remove the affected products from shelves immediately.