The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the recall of six acne treatment products containing benzoyl peroxide after recent testing detected elevated levels of benzene, a known carcinogen. The decision, revealed on March 11, follows an extensive review of 95 acne products, of which more than 90 percent showed undetectable or extremely low benzene levels.

Although only a small fraction of the tested products exhibited elevated benzene concentrations, some were nearing their expiration dates. As a precautionary measure, manufacturers voluntarily agreed to recall the affected products. The recalled items include La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment, Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream, Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, and Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream. These products, identified by specific lot numbers, are being removed from retail stores and online platforms.

The FDA clarified that the recall is limited to retail-level action, meaning consumers are not required to return products already in their possession. However, individuals are advised to discard any expired items. Despite the presence of benzene, the agency emphasized that the risk of developing cancer from prolonged use of these products remains very low, even with consistent daily application over several years.

Benzene exposure, whether through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption, has been linked to serious health risks, including leukemia and other blood disorders. The severity of these risks depends on various factors, such as exposure duration, method of contact, frequency of use, and an individual's overall health.

Reaffirming its commitment to drug safety, the FDA stated that it will continue to monitor benzene levels in pharmaceutical products and take swift action when quality concerns arise. The agency assured the public that it remains vigilant in identifying and addressing emerging risks, pledging to communicate new findings as they become available.