Urgent Skincare Recall: Acne Treatments Pulled Due to Cancer Risk!
March 17, 2025 125Urgent Skincare Recall: Acne Treatments Pulled Due to Cancer Risk!
Attention skincare users! Several popular acne treatments, including La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Duo, have been recalled nationwide due to contamination with benzene, a known carcinogen. The FDA’s latest findings reveal that benzoyl peroxide-based products may degrade into benzene under high temperatures or UV light exposure.
Find out if your product is affected and what to do next!
Quick Summary: What You Need to Know
✅ What happened? L’Oréal has recalled La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment due to potential benzene contamination. The FDA investigation then led to the recall of six more acne treatments from well-known brands.
✅ Which products are affected? See the full list of recalled skincare products below.
✅ Why is this dangerous? Benzene is a cancer-causing chemical. It can form in benzoyl peroxide products when exposed to heat or sunlight.
✅ What should you do? Stop using the affected products immediately! Check the lot numbers below and find out how to get a refund.
✅ Where were they sold? These products were sold nationwide at drugstores, beauty supply stores, and online retailers.
🎥 WATCH: FDA Experts Explain the Risks & Recall Details ⬇️
Why Are Acne Treatments Being Recalled?
The FDA tested 95 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide and found that prolonged exposure to heat and UV light can cause benzoyl peroxide to degrade into benzene—a known carcinogen linked to leukemia and other cancers.
L’Oréal took immediate action by voluntarily recalling La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, followed by six other skincare brands that also had elevated benzene levels.
📢 If you use benzoyl peroxide-based acne treatments, check your products NOW!
Full List of Recalled Acne Treatment Products
💡 How to check your product: Look for the lot number and expiration date printed on the packaging.
| Product Name | Brand | Lot Number(s) | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment | La Roche-Posay | MYX46W | April 2025 |
| Acne Control Cleanser | Walgreens | 23 09328 | September 2025 |
| Emergency Blemish Relief Cream (5% Benzoyl Peroxide) | Proactiv | V3305A, V3304A | October 2025 |
| Skin Smoothing Exfoliator | Proactiv | V4204A | July 2025 |
| Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion | SLMD | 2430600 | March 2025 |
| Tinted Acne Treatment Cream | Walgreens | 49707430 | March 2026 |
| Acne Treatment Gel | Zapzyt | No lot number specified | No date specified |
These products are being removed from store shelves and online marketplaces, but you may still have them at home.
Expert Opinion by Anna Klyauzova
As a healthcare professional specializing in patient safety and consumer health, this recall raises serious concerns about hidden risks in widely used skincare products. Acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide are used daily by millions of people, yet the risk of benzene contamination due to heat or UV exposure has been largely overlooked.
This situation highlights two major issues:
Lack of Consumer Awareness on Skincare Storage – Many people are unaware that benzoyl peroxide-based products can degrade into benzene when exposed to high temperatures or sunlight. Manufacturers should add clear storage warnings on labels, similar to how medications include temperature guidelines.
Gaps in Cosmetic Regulations – While the FDA’s post-market testing led to this recall, it raises the question: why weren’t these risks detected earlier? Stricter pre-market stability testing should be required to prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers in the first place.
🔴 What Should Consumers Do?
- Always check ingredient labels and avoid skincare products with unclear safety data.
- Store benzoyl peroxide treatments in a cool, dark place to minimize the risk of chemical degradation.
- If your product smells off, has changed in texture, or was exposed to extreme heat, stop using it immediately—even if it's not on the recall list.
This recall follows a growing trend of consumer safety alerts, such as the recent coffee creamer recall, where over 75,000 bottles were pulled from shelves due to spoilage and illness concerns. The connection? Companies need to prioritize consumer safety before products hit the market, not after issues arise.
📌 Read more about product safety recalls:
🔗 Major Coffee Creamer Recall: Over 75,000 Bottles Pulled From US Shelves
📌 For more insights on patient safety and healthcare updates, follow me on LinkedIn:
🔗 Anna Klyauzova – LinkedIn
📢 Stay informed on health and wellness recalls:
🔗 Prolife Home Care Blog
Health Risks of Benzene Exposure
Benzene is classified as a carcinogen by the FDA and WHO.
How Does Benzene Form in Acne Products?
- Benzoyl peroxide, a common acne treatment ingredient, can degrade into benzene when exposed to:
High temperatures (e.g., left in a hot car)
UV light (e.g., stored near a window or exposed to sunlight)
Health Risks of Benzene Exposure:
Short-term exposure:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
Long-term exposure:
- Increased risk of leukemia
- Blood disorders
- Immune system damage
📢 If you’ve used these products and feel unwell, consult a healthcare professional immediately!
What Should You Do If You Have a Recalled Acne Product?
ACTION REQUIRED: If you own one of these products, follow these steps:
Stop using it immediately. Even if you haven’t experienced symptoms, do not continue using a recalled product.
Check the lot number and expiration date. If they match the recall list, your product is affected.
Dispose of the product safely. Do not throw it in the regular trash—check for hazardous waste disposal facilities in your area.
Contact the manufacturer to inquire about refunds or replacements.
Talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns about past exposure.
Official Statement from the FDA & Manufacturers
The FDA has not yet issued consumer return or refund instructions, but affected brands are removing these products from stores and online platforms.
L’Oréal stated:
"This voluntary recall is being conducted out of an abundance of caution to ensure consumer safety. We encourage consumers to check their products and discontinue use if they are affected by this recall."
📢 Stay updated by checking the FDA recall list for further announcements.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
How do I know if my acne treatment is part of the recall?
Check the lot number and expiration date on your packaging. If they match the recall list, your product is affected.
Is it dangerous to continue using a recalled acne treatment?
Yes! Benzene exposure can increase cancer risk over time. Stop using the product immediately.
Can I return the recalled acne treatment for a refund?
The FDA has not yet issued specific refund instructions, but you can contact the manufacturer or retailer where you purchased it.
What are the symptoms of benzene exposure?
Short-term: Dizziness, confusion, headaches
Long-term: Increased cancer risk, immune system damage
How can I safely dispose of my recalled acne treatment?
Store it in a cool, dry place until you can properly dispose of it through a hazardous waste facility.
Final Reminder: Check Your Skincare Products!
With multiple brands recalling their acne treatments, now is the time to check your products. Look for the lot number and expiration date, and stop using any affected products immediately.
📢 Share this post to help others avoid exposure to benzene!
🔗 Full recall details from the FDA
Author
ProLife Home Care