Popular acne products recalled due to cancer-causing chemical

On Wednesday (March 12) L’Oréal withdrew their popular La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo acne treatment from the market due to a potential benzene contamination. Independent laboratory Vailsure found traces of the contamination during testing and notified the US Food and Drug Administration about the issue. Benzene is used primarily as a solvent in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Exposure to it has been linked to cancer, leukemia, and several blood disorders. A La Roche-Posay spokesperson said to Health that benzene traces in the Effaclar Duo do not represent a safety risk, but the company has decided in coordination with the FDA to recall the acne product to uphold quality standards. The FDA said the cream face has little risk of harmful side effects for consumers. However, Health has reported that other acne products have been voluntarily removed from the market due to potential benzene contamination. Among them, are Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, Proactive Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, and SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion. The FDA recommends that people who have purchased these products dispose of them out of caution.