13-03-2025
Proactiv, La Roche-Posay recall acne treatments over cancer-causing chemical
Acne products, including from popular skincare brands like Proactiv and La Roche-Posay are listed in the latest recall notice from the Food and Drug Administration due to possible benzene contamination.
Walgreens, Target, and Amazon are among the retailers who sold the items in Ohio and around the United States.
Benzene, a chemical used in dyes, detergents, and some plastics, was found in the acne products, raising concerns about elevated levels of benzene in certain acne products containing benzoyl peroxide. Exposure to benzene can increase the risk of cancer, per the FDA.
Here's what to know about the recall.
The FDA recalled acne products that bear the following lot numbers and expiration dates:
SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion (2430600), March 2025
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment (MYX46W), April 2025
Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator (V4204A), July 2025
Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser (23 09328), September 2025
Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5% (V3305A, V3304A), October 2025
Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream (49707430), March 2026
The recalled acne products were sold at stores such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Target, and through online sellers like Amazon. According to the FDA, these products are recalled at the retail level, meaning that retailers are to remove them from the shelves as well as online.
The FDA notes that retailers were instructed to remove products from shelves and online marketplaces, "but does not specifically instruct consumers to take actions regarding products currently in their possession." The agency adds that 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," but could still carry potential risks associated with use.
Consumers who experience issues should report them to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program by submitting a form online or faxing the downloaded report form to 1-800-FDA-0178.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Acne products sold at Walgreens, Target recalled over cancer-causing chemical
