L’Oréal has recalled all lots of its popular La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo acne cream across the United States due to concerns over benzene contamination, raising questions about the safety of benzoyl peroxide products as regulatory oversight intensifies.
Key Insights
- FDA testing of 95 benzoyl peroxide acne products found only a limited number with elevated benzene levels, with over 90% showing undetectable or extremely low levels
- Seven specific products including La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo are being voluntarily recalled at the retail level, not requiring consumer returns
- The FDA emphasizes that cancer risk from benzene exposure in these products is considered very low
- L’Oréal is developing an updated formulation of Effaclar Duo expected to replace the recalled version soon
FDA Testing Reveals Limited Contamination
The Food and Drug Administration recently conducted comprehensive testing on 95 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide to investigate potential benzene contamination. This investigation revealed that the vast majority of products—over 90%—had undetectable or extremely low levels of benzene. Only a limited number of products showed elevated benzene levels, prompting voluntary recalls at the retail level. The FDA’s testing used validated methods that found fewer contaminated products than some third-party results had suggested.
The specific products being recalled 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, Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream, and Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel. Importantly, these recalls are voluntary and conducted at the retail level, not requiring consumers to return products they’ve already purchased.
L’Oréal’s Response to Benzene Findings
L’Oréal’s decision to recall all lots of its Effaclar Duo acne cream comes after trace amounts of benzene were found in one lot of the product. The recall follows a year-long alert from an independent laboratory, Valisure, which identified benzene in several benzoyl peroxide-based products. Effaclar Duo, marketed under L’Oréal’s La Roche-Posay brand, contains benzoyl peroxide as its active ingredient and has been popular among consumers seeking effective acne treatment.
“FDA is committed to ensuring drugs Americans use are safe and effective and will continue its efforts to monitor the issue of benzene in drugs and proactively take actions when quality issues arise.” – Source
The company initiated the recall in consultation with the FDA and is already working on a solution. An updated formulation of the product, which has been in development since 2024, is expected to replace the recalled version in the near future. This proactive approach demonstrates the company’s commitment to consumer safety while also preserving one of its popular product lines.
Broader Industry Implications
The current situation reflects increasing vigilance among consumers and regulators regarding benzene exposure in personal care products. Valisure, the independent lab that identified the benzene in acne products, has previously found the carcinogen in sunscreens, antiperspirants, dry shampoos, and hand sanitizers over the past four years. These findings have contributed to several high-profile product recalls across the beauty and personal care industry.
“FDA continues to underscore and remind manufacturers, distributors, repackagers and importers that they are responsible for the safety and quality of their products.” – Source
The FDA has emphasized that the risk of cancer from benzene exposure in these products is considered very low, providing some reassurance to concerned consumers. Nevertheless, the agency plans to publish full testing results in peer-reviewed journals and continues to remind manufacturers of their responsibility to ensure product safety and quality. Health care professionals and patients are encouraged to report any adverse events or quality issues to the FDA’s MedWatch program.
Sources:
- Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene; findings show a small number of products with elevated levels of benzene contamination
- L’Oréal Halts US Sales of Acne Treatment Amid Benzene Concerns
