It’s time to check your stash of cosmetics and make sure you’re storing everything safely. L’Oreal made headlines earlier this week when it announced it is voluntarily recalling one of its products over worries that a common ingredient can break down into a cancer-causing chemical. The product, La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Duo contains benzoyl peroxide (like many acne treatments) contains benzoyl peroxide. Then, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a number of benzoyl peroxide products from other brands are being recalled as well.
Here’s everything you need to know.
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In March 2024, the testing company Valisure published a study demonstrating that benzoyl peroxide can decompose and produce benzene at temperatures reaching 98°F and 120°F over a specific period. Prolonged and consistent exposure to benzene is known to increase one’s risk of developing blood cancers and other blood disorders. The most common way that people come in contact with benzene is through the air (such as from cigarette smoke or gasoline fumes).
“There have been concerns about benzoyl peroxide potentially breaking down into benzene under certain conditions, like exposure to heat or improper storage,” says Mona Foad, MD, founder and board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology. “Since benzene is a known carcinogen, it’s important to choose products from reputable brands that test for safety and store them as directed to minimize any risk.”
Retailers have been told to stop selling these products, but instructions haven’t been given for consumers who own them already:
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 number: V3305A
- Lot number: 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 company behind Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel also announced it’s recalling the product because it found elevated levels of benzene when it conducted its own tests.
Does this mean you need to toss out all benzoyl peroxide products?
No. “Cosmetic products undergo stringent safety and stability testing to ensure their safety and effectiveness under various environmental conditions and to determine appropriate shelf life,” says Sabina Wizemann, the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. On top of that, “in the U.S., benzoyl peroxide products are classified as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs by the FDA when used to treat acne, providing additional security and safety.”
When Valisure released its study, the company sent a letter to the FDA requesting them to take nine specific actions, including recalling and suspending the sale of benzoyl peroxide products. Now, after testing 95 acne products, the FDA says, “more than 90% of tested products had undetectable or extremely low levels of benzene.” However, elevated levels of benzene were found in the six products listed below and as a result, the manufacturer have agreed to initiate recalls.
Unless you’re using one of the recalled products above, you’re probably fine incorporating cosmetics that contain benzoyl peroxide into your skin routine as long as you use them according to the directions on their packaging and store them safely. “Make sure to store in a darker cool place and do not use past the expiration date,” advises Dr. Foad.
Remember, when used and stored safely, benzoyl peroxide products are generally safe. However, there may be other reasons to avoid the ingredient. “Benzoyl peroxide is a great acne-fighting ingredient, but it’s not for everyone,” says Dr. Foad. “If you have sensitive or dry skin, benzoyl peroxide can cause irritation, redness or peeling. You also have to be careful when applying it and make sure to wash your hands because it can bleach towels and pillowcases.” Here are some other ingredients Dr. Foad says you may want to consider instead:
- Salicylic acid may be great for fighting acne and exfoliating the top layer of skin.
- Lactic, mandelic or lactobionic acids might be better if your skin is more sensitive.
- Azelaic acid may help with acne, redness and melasma.
- Sulfur may also fight bacteria but is gentler on the skin.
- Niacinamide is really mild and could help control oil and calm inflammation without causing irritation.
Whether you’re looking for an acne-fighter or a moisturizer, there’s no shortage of beauty products available today. That can make hard to figure out if a cosmetic company is reputable. “When evaluating a brand’s reputation, consumers should consider its history, ownership, recall history, safety and regulatory compliance, as well as ingredient transparency and disclosures of clinical studies,” says Wizemann. On the other hand, some red flags include brands with no official websites or contact information, few details on manufacturing info, no ingredient listings, misspelled ingredients or grammatical errors on labels, having over-the-top marketing claims that promise miracle results or using fearmongering language, she says.
Considering all the testing that benzoyl peroxide products must undergo in the U.S., if a product is made by a reputable company and available on store shelves, it’s likely safe to use as long as it’s not a part of these recalls or expired, and you store it in a cool, dry place.
Deputy Health Editor
Kaitlyn Phoenix is a deputy editor in the Hearst Health Newsroom, where she reports, writes and edits research-backed health content for Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day. She has more than 10 years of experience talking to top medical professionals and poring over studies to figure out the science of how our bodies work. Beyond that, Kaitlyn turns what she learns into engaging and easy-to-read stories about medical conditions, nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental health. She also holds a B.S. in magazine journalism from Syracuse University.
