Recall of Acne Products Due to Possible Benzene Contamination

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration issued a recall for possible benzene contamination in popular brands like La Roche-Posay, Proactiv, Walgreens and other acne products. Through third party-testing, the agency had tested 95 acne products that contained benzoyl peroxide for contamination, and found certain products should be recalled, but only at the retail level. The companies whose products were found to contain contamination voluntarily agreed to be part of the recall.

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All the products in the recall are skincare products that contain benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient found in many over-the-counter products used to treat acne. The recall products are:

• Lot number MYX46W of La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment, which expires April 2025
• Lot number 23 09328 of Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, which expires September 2025
• Lot numbers of V3305A and V3304A of Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5%, which expires October 2025
• Lot V4204A of Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, which expires July 2025
• Lot 2430600 of SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, which expires March 2025
• Lot 49707430 of Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream, which expires March 2026.

Moreover, the manufacturer of Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel voluntarily recalled its acne product based on its own testing that found a higher benzene level.

Benzene is used in many industrial products, but in this case, it was found in acne treatments as an unintentional byproduct of production. The FDA posited that the inactive drugs and drug components made from hydrocarbons may have led to benzene contamination. Benzene exposure risk depends on the amount of benzene involved in the exposure and how much time passes after the exposure. When only low levels are involved, the side effects of exposure can involve confusion, tremors, dizziness, rapid heart rate, drowsiness, and even unconsciousness. Long-term exposure through the skin, mouth, or by inhalation can result in leukemia and other blood disorders. The risk of someone getting cancer because of benzene in an acne product is considered low by the FDA, which is why this is a retail recall, rather than a consumer recall.

With the retail recall, the retailers were asked to take the products off their shelves and online marketplaces, but consumers were not asked to stop using the products. You can contact the manufacturer or retail store to request a refund in connection with Proactiv products. If you believe you were injured as a result of benzene contamination, however, it may be appropriate to consult our Chicago-based product liability attorneys.

We can bring a product liability lawsuit in connection with manufacturing, design, or marketing defects. Generally, theories under which we may pursue a company’s liability are dependent on the state law, but may include some combination of strict liability, negligence, breach of contract, breach of warranty, and statutory violation.

If you’ve been harmed by acne treatment products, please call our experienced Chicago-based product liability attorneys about your legal options. Complete our online form or give us a call at 312.462.1700.