Proactiv and Walgreens recall acne products due to benzene contamination

Published 11/03/2025, 22:16
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- Acne treatments distributed by Proactiv and Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:WBA) are being recalled due to contamination with benzene, a chemical known to cause cancer, according to a statement from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday.

The issue was first identified by Valisure, an independent lab based in Connecticut, which alerted the FDA about the benzene contamination in benzoyl peroxide acne products a year ago. This prompted the FDA to conduct its own tests on the products.

The FDA examined benzene levels in 95 different benzoyl peroxide treatments. Their findings revealed that 90% of the treatments had either undetectable or extremely low benzene levels. The recall is being implemented at the retail level, meaning stores are required to remove the contaminated products from their shelves. However, the FDA has not issued any specific instructions for consumers who have already purchased these products.

Despite the benzene contamination, the FDA stated that the cancer risk associated with the contaminated treatments is low.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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