The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the recall of several acne treatment products due to the detection of benzene, a chemical linked to cancer. This action follows the testing of 95 acne treatment products, out of which six were identified as containing benzene. The recalled items include Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment.
The FDA has stated that the recall is a precautionary measure and that consumers do not need to take any specific actions at this time. The agency emphasized that the risk posed by these products is minimal, even with long-term use.
“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,” according to the FDA.
Retailers have been asked to remove these products from their shelves as part of the recall process. The affected items are limited to a small number of acne creams, and the move applies to all stores selling these items. The recalls were announced this week after government testing revealed slightly elevated levels of benzene in the products.
Benzene, a known carcinogen, has previously been the cause of recalls for a variety of other consumer goods. The FDA's actions reflect ongoing efforts to ensure safety in consumer products. A full list of the recalled products, along with their lot numbers, was made available online on Tuesday.
