Popular Acne Treatments Recalled by FDA Over Carcinogen Concern
Popular acne treatments were recalled due to potential contamination with benzene.
Research shows that long-term exposure to benzene may increase cancer risk.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted benzene testing on the products after third-party testing raised concerns.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prompted the recall of a number of acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide after the agency’s testing found potential benzene poisoning in some. Ninety-five products were tested, and six (plus one independently tested product) are to be pulled from shelves because they could contain levels of the cancer-causing ingredient benzene.
“More than 90% of tested products had undetectable or extremely low levels of benzene,” the FDA noted, adding that the recall is occurring only at a retail level and not a consumer one. “This means retailers are instructed to remove products from store shelves and online marketplaces but does not specifically instruct consumers to take actions regarding products currently in their possession,” the agency said in the statement. “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.”
List of affected products
The impacted products and their respective lot numbers and expiration dates are below. The FDA notes that some of them are approaching their expiration dates and reminds consumers to check their collections and throw away anything that’s past due.
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
Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel was also voluntarily recalled by its manufacturer.
The FDA conducted its testing after separate, third-party testing results raised concerns. However, the agency found fewer products with benzene contamination than the third-party review. According to the recall, FDA testing used validated test methods and assessed all benzoyl peroxide products identified by third-party laboratories as having elevated benzene levels that were available for purchase at the time, as well as additional marketed products.
What is benzene?
Benzene, an ingredient responsible for past beauty recalls, is a chemical formed in nature and from human activities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Long-term exposure can increase cancer risk, the CDC says.
“Benzene is an organic compound known to be a carcinogen, which means it has been associated with the development of cancers,” Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, previously told Prevention.
The FDA classifies benzene as a Class 1 solvent, meaning it should be avoided in the manufacturing of drugs and drug products unless absolutely necessary. There isn’t any measure of how much benzene is safe. However, the FDA notes that products should contain no more than 2 parts per million.
What should I do if I have any of the listed products?
This recall is at the retail level and are being voluntarily recalled, meaning that at this time those with impacted products do not need to do anything, per the FDA. But, if you’re concerned, you may stop use or throw out the products.
In the coming months, the FDA plans to publish the comprehensive test results, including data and information on testing methods. The agency used the opportunity to “underscore and remind” manufacturers, distributors, repackagers, and importers of their responsibility to product safety and to make note of unvalidated testing methods that “can produce inaccurate results leading consumer confusion.”
Consumers and health professionals can make any related product quality concerns known to the FDA via the agency’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting system.
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