FDA recalls skincare products from these popular brands due to presence of cancer-causing chemical

US health officials have announced a recall of six skincare products from popular brands after government testing found they contain slightly elevated levels of a chemical associated with cancer.
On March 11, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public and the skincare industry about possible benzene contamination in 95 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide. However, the FDA emphasized that consumers face little risk from these products. 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,” the agency stated. The agency said that a few products should be recalled from retail.
What are the recalled products?

The recalled products are:
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
Should consumers throw away the products on their shelves?

While testing, the FDA found elevated levels of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in the recalled products. They identified six skincare products out of 95 tested for benzene contamination.


However, does this mean consumers must throw away the recalled products? FDA stressed that the recalls are being ‘conducted at the retail level, not the consumer level’. The retailers are instructed to remove products from store shelves and online marketplaces however, the FDA does not specifically instruct consumers to take actions regarding products currently in their possession. “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,” the health agency said.
What is benzene contamination?
Benzene is a chemical formed in nature and from human activities. It is a component found in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Exposure to benzene can increase the risk of cancer.
This chemical is used in the production of many industrial products including chemicals, dyes, detergents, and some plastics. In recent years, many products such as hand sanitizers, aerosols (spray), including antiperspirants and sunscreens, and benzoyl peroxide-containing acne treatment products have been recalled due to benzene contamination.
The risk of contamination depends on the exposure amount, route, duration of exposure, age, and any pre-existing medical conditions. The FDA says that even with daily use of the recalled benzoyl peroxide acne products for decades, the chances of a person developing cancer because of the benzene exposure in the products is 'very low'.

However, the agency also notes that "In small amounts over long periods of time, benzene can decrease the formation of blood cells. Long-term exposure to benzene through inhalation, oral intake, and skin absorption may result in cancers such as leukemia and other blood disorders.”
(Pic courtesy: iStock)