(Gray News) – The FDA announced a retail-level recall Tuesday of several popular acne treatments.

The FDA said 95 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide were tested for possible benzene contamination.

Benzene is a chemical that is formed in nature and from human activities. It is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline and cigarette smoke. Exposure to benzene can increase the risk of cancer.

The testing concluded that more than 90% of products had undetectable or extremely low levels of benzene, but that six products had elevated levels of the chemical.

The products being recalled are:

• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment
  • Lot number MYX46W, expiration date April 2025
• Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser
  • Lot number 23 09328, expiration date September 2025
• Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5%
  • Lot numbers V3305A; V3304A, expiration date October 2025
• Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator
  • Lot number V4204A, expiration date July 2025
• SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion
  • Lot number 2430600, expiration date March 2025
• Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream
  • Lot number 49707430, expiration date March 2026

The FDA notes that this is a recall at the retail level, meaning that stores have been instructed to remove products from their shelves, but people who already have these products don’t have to take action.

Officials say even with daily use of these products for decades, the risk of a person developing cancer because of exposure to benzene is very low.

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