L’Oréal has pulled its popular La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo acne treatment from US shelves due to benzene contamination, joining several other major brands in a FDA-prompted recall of benzoyl peroxide products.
Quick Takes
- L’Oréal is recalling all lots of Effaclar Duo acne cream after finding trace amounts of benzene, a known carcinogen, in one lot
- Seven total benzoyl peroxide acne products are being recalled at the retail level following FDA testing
- Over 90% of the 95 acne products tested showed undetectable or extremely low levels of benzene
- The FDA emphasizes the cancer risk from these products is very low and consumers do not need to discard products
- L’Oréal plans to release an updated Effaclar Duo formulation that has been in development since early 2024
FDA Investigation Prompts Limited Recalls
The Food and Drug Administration recently conducted testing on 95 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide after concerns about potential benzene contamination surfaced. The investigation revealed that while most products were safe, seven specific brands showed elevated levels of benzene, prompting voluntary recalls. These include La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, two Proactiv products, SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream, and Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel. The FDA emphasized that over 90% of the tested products had either undetectable or extremely low benzene levels.
The recalls are being conducted at the retail level rather than the consumer level, meaning stores will remove these products from shelves, but consumers who have already purchased them are not being asked to return them. This decision reflects the FDA’s assessment that the cancer risk from the detected benzene levels is very low. The agency has been monitoring benzene contamination in personal care products for several years, taking action when quality issues emerge.
L’Oréal’s Proactive Response
L’Oréal’s decision to recall all lots of its Effaclar Duo acne cream comes after trace amounts of benzene were detected in one specific lot. The company consulted with the FDA before initiating the recall, demonstrating a cautious approach to consumer safety. The contamination issue follows a year-long alert from Valisure, an independent laboratory that has previously identified benzene in numerous personal care products, including sunscreens, antiperspirants, dry shampoos, and hand sanitizers over the past four years.
“FDA continues to underscore and remind manufacturers, distributors, repackagers and importers that they are responsible for the safety and quality of their products.” – Source
L’Oréal has been working on an updated formulation of Effaclar Duo since early 2024, which is expected to replace the recalled version soon. This proactive development suggests the company anticipated potential issues with the current formula and was already working to improve product safety. The Effaclar Duo cream, marketed under L’Oréal’s La Roche-Posay brand, is highly regarded for its effectiveness in treating acne through its active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide.
Testing Methods and Industry Impact
The FDA has emphasized the importance of using validated testing methods when assessing product safety. In its announcement, the agency noted that its official testing found fewer contaminated products than third-party laboratory results had suggested. This discrepancy highlights a concern about potential inaccuracies in some independent testing that could create unnecessary consumer alarm. The FDA plans to publish its full testing results in peer-reviewed journals to provide transparency about its methods and findings.
“FDA has continued to raise concern that use of unvalidated testing methods by third-party laboratories can produce inaccurate results leading to consumer confusion.” – Source
The benzene contamination issue has led to several high-profile product recalls across the beauty and personal care industry in recent years. These recalls have heightened consumer awareness about potential carcinogens in everyday products. Health care professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or quality issues to the FDA’s MedWatch program, helping the agency monitor product safety. While the current recall may temporarily impact consumer trust in affected brands, the FDA’s thorough testing and transparent communication aim to provide reassurance about the overall safety of benzoyl peroxide acne treatments.
Sources:
- Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene; findings show a small number of products with elevated levels of benzene contamination
- L’Oréal Halts US Sales of Acne Treatment Amid Benzene Concerns
