The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled several types of skincare products containing benzoyl peroxide due to elevated levels of benzene, a known carcinogen. The affected products include La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream, SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, and others.
Benzene is a chemical used in industrial production and can be released through air pollution. Prolonged exposure to benzene has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, including leukemia and other blood disorders.
The FDA tested 95 products with benzoyl peroxide and found that 90% had “undetectable or extremely low levels” of benzene. However, some companies voluntarily recalled their products due to elevated levels of the chemical.
Retailers have been instructed to remove these products from store shelves and online marketplaces, but consumers are not required to take any action regarding products already in use. The FDA emphasizes that the risk of cancer from exposure to benzene through daily use of these products is very low.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/several-kinds-acne-products-recalled-cancer-risk-fda-says