FDA Recalls Acne Products For Possible Contamination and Risk of Cancer-Causing Chemicals

The US Food and Drug Administration, after testing of acne products containing benzoyl peroxide, has determined that a batch needs to be recalled for possible benze a chemical associated with cancer. According to the agency, of 95 products tested, the FDA found that more than 90 per cent had undetectable or extremely low levels of benzene.

Only six of the tested products from La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment, Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5 per cent, Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion and Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream contained elevated levels; however, some of the products were approaching their expiration dates.

The FDA emphasized that consumers face little risk from these products.

According to the agency, 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, other than disposing of any products that have expired.

“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.

Benzene is a chemical formed in nature and from human activities and is an important component found in crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Exposure to benzene increases the risk of cancer. It is used in the production of many industrial products, including chemicals, dyes, detergents, and some plastics.

In recent years, many products, such as hand sanitisers, aerosol sprays, including antiperspirants and sunscreens, and benzoyl peroxide-containing acne treatment products, have been recalled due to benzene contamination.

According to experts, prolonged exposure to benzene through various routes, which include breathing, swallowing, or skin absorption, may lead to cancers like leukemia and other blood disorders. The risk depends on the quantity of product used, the method of exposure, duration of exposure, age, and preexisting health conditions.

"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," the FDA said in a statement. "The agency continually gains additional knowledge about drugs, which allows it to identify and quickly address previously unknown risks. FDA will communicate new information regarding benzene in drugs as it becomes available."

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