Millions of people use acne treatments every day, assuming they’re safe. But a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration recall found that several popular products contain dangerously high levels of benzene, a chemical linked to cancer, leukemia, and other serious health risks. Many people have been using these products without realizing the potential danger.
The recall includes acne treatments from La Roche-Posay, Proactiv, Equate, Clinique, and Target’s Up & Up. These products were sold at Amazon, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and Target. If you have one at home, you may be unknowingly exposing yourself to harmful chemicals.
Ethen Ostroff Law is ready to help those affected by the La Roche-Posay recall or other contaminated acne treatment products seek justice and financial compensation. It’s important to be aware of the risks, know what steps to take, and understand your legal options if you’ve used these recalled acne treatments.
On March 11, 2025, the FDA issued a recall for several acne treatments after finding dangerous levels of benzene in some products. This recall affects well-known brands like La Roche-Posay, Proactiv, and Walgreens, raising concerns for consumers who have been using these products without knowing the risks.
The recall follows FDA testing of 95 acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, which found elevated benzene levels in certain products. As a result, the FDA urged companies to pull contaminated products from store shelves. The manufacturers involved voluntarily agreed to recall their products after third-party testing confirmed the contamination.
It’s important to check the recall list and stop using the product immediately if you’ve been using one of these acne treatments. Long-term exposure to benzene has been linked to serious health risks. And anyone affected should be aware of their options.
Several acne treatments are being pulled from store shelves due to benzene contamination. If you use any of the following products, check your packaging to see if yours is part of the recall:
The maker of Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel has also decided to recall its product after discovering high benzene levels during testing.
Alchemee, the company behind Proactiv, confirmed the recall after receiving benzene test results from the FDA. However, La Roche-Posay (owned by L’Oréal) and Walgreens haven’t made a public statement yet.
If you have any of these products at home, stop using them right away and check the lot number. If yours matches, follow the recall instructions to safely return or dispose of it.
The recalled acne treatments were sold at:
First Aid Beauty recalled nearly 3,000 jars of its Ultra Repair Cream in the Coconut Vanilla scent on Dec. 23, 2024. The recall happened because a batch that was supposed to be kept in quarantine was accidentally sold. The FDA classified this recall as a class 2, which means the product could cause temporary or mild health issues, but the risk of anything serious is low. The First Aid Beauty face moisturizer recall affects 14-ounce jars with lot codes 24D44 and 24D45, with expiration dates of April 10 and April 11, 2026. These jars were only sold through First Aid Beauty’s website, and anyone who bought the affected product has already been contacted and sent a replacement. The La Roche-Posay recall, which also involved certain acne treatments being pulled from shelves due to benzene concerns, occurred a few months after this recall. While the risk is minimal, it’s best to stop using the recalled moisturizer to be safe.
Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in acne treatments because it helps kill bacteria and clear breakouts. The problem? Studies show that when benzoyl peroxide is exposed to heat or sunlight, it can break down and create benzene—a chemical found in gasoline and other industrial products. Benzene has been linked to serious health risks, so it definitely doesn’t belong in skincare. Most people are exposed to benzene through things like car exhaust or cigarette smoke but finding it in acne treatments is a real concern. That’s why several brands have pulled their products from shelves.
Benzene exposure can cause a range of health issues beyond what was listed. The risks depend on how much benzene a person is exposed to and for how long. Here are some additional potential effects:
Short-Term Exposure Risks
Long-Term Exposure Risks
While the amount of benzene in acne products is still being studied, the acne treatments benzene concern is serious enough that major brands have pulled their products from shelves.
Here’s what you should do if you have one of the recalled acne treatments at home:
It’s worth checking your products and staying informed even if you feel fine. No one expects their skincare routine to come with risks, but now that this has come to light, taking a few simple steps can help protect your health.
If you’ve used one of these recalled acne treatments and later developed health complications, you may have legal grounds to file a claim against the manufacturer. These brands are supposed to sell safe products, and no one expects to find a harmful chemical like benzene in their skincare routine. A lawsuit could help with medical bills, lost wages, or any other impact this has had on your life. If you’re dealing with health problems linked to these products, it may be worth looking into your options.
If you’ve been affected by these recalled acne products, multiple companies could be held accountable. Here’s who may share responsibility:
Each of these companies has a hand in getting skincare products to consumers. If they didn’t do their part to keep those products safe, they could be responsible.
You may have legal options if you’ve been affected by benzene exposure from these recalled acne treatments. Here are some possible claims:
The specific claims available will depend on the facts of each case, so speaking with a lawyer can help determine the best course of action.
You could be eligible for financial compensation if you’ve suffered health issues due to benzene exposure from these recalled products. Here’s what you might recover:
Acne treatments should enhance your confidence, not expose you to harmful chemicals that put your health at risk. If you bought one of these recalled products, it’s because you trusted it to work. You wanted to clear up breakouts, take care of your skin, and feel good about your appearance. No one expects a simple skincare routine to come with hidden dangers. Now, instead of peace of mind, you’re left with concerns about exposure to a harmful chemical. That’s not fair, and you shouldn’t have to deal with it alone.
At Ethen Ostroff Law, we believe companies should be held accountable when they put people’s health on the line. If you’ve been affected, we can:
You used these products to take care of yourself. Now, let us take care of you. Call us today for a free consultation, and let’s talk about what comes next.
La Roche-Posay is recalling its Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment (Lot Number: MYX46W, Expiration Date: April 2025) due to possible benzene contamination. Although the FDA considers the risk of cancer from these products to be low, La Roche-Posay is removing the affected product as a precaution.
Some people are boycotting La Roche-Posay because it’s owned by L’Oréal, a company criticized for its ties to Israel. Others are concerned about the safety of its products, including ingredients that may affect hormones and possible contamination with harmful chemicals. While La Roche-Posay hasn’t been directly linked to benzene recalls, similar acne treatments have been, which adds to the worry.
La Roche-Posay products are usually safe, but their Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment was recently recalled because it might have benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer. The risk is very low, but the company removed the product just to be safe. Most of their products are still safe to use, but if you’re worried or have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to check for recalls or ask a dermatologist.
Yes, many dermatologists recommend La Roche-Posay because their products are gentle and safe for sensitive skin. They are tested for allergies and won’t clog pores. Popular choices include Lipikar AP+ for dry skin, Cicaplast Balm for irritated skin, and Effaclar Duo for acne. Despite a recent recall of one product, the brand is still trusted by dermatologists.
There hasn’t been an official recall of PanOxyl for benzene contamination. However, in 2024, a testing company called Valisure reported finding benzene in PanOxyl BPO cream and other benzoyl peroxide products. Despite this, the FDA has not included PanOxyl in its recent recalls, which have mainly involved products from La Roche-Posay, Proactiv, and Walgreens.
Nicholas began his post-graduate career clerking for the Honorable Linda Rovder Fleming in the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas. From there, he quickly found his calling in workers’ compensation, personal injury, and Social Security disability law—areas where he could directly impact people’s lives in moments of crisis. He’s helped clients navigate complex legal claims, including securing a settlement exceeding $300,000.
Nicholas brings clear communication, genuine empathy, and an unrelenting drive to achieve the best outcomes for his clients. Whether he’s navigating a complex workers’ comp claim or pushing for a major settlement, he brings focus, dedication, and deep legal knowledge to every case.
He’s also a proud member of Pennsylvania Advocates for Justice and remains active in various professional legal organizations. Nicholas is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania.
When he’s not fighting for the injured, Nicholas is enjoying time with his family, kicking a soccer ball around, hitting the golf course, or cheering on Pittsburgh’s local teams.
Joe Ring heads the workers’ compensation department at Ethen Ostroff Law, where he takes pride in fighting for injured workers.
Joe is a Philadelphia native and maintains deep roots in the area. As the grandson of a Philadelphia Firefighter, son of a Philadelphia public school teacher, and veteran of the United State Marine Corps, he was taught to value service, dedication, and hard work. He applies these values to every case and takes great satisfaction in representing hard-working clients with those same traits.
After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in history from St. Vincent College in Western Pennsylvania, he graduated from Villanova Law School in 2012 and, since then, has litigated hundreds of workers’ compensation hearings and trial depositions on behalf of both employers and injured workers. During this time, Mr. Ring has written articles and presented Continuing Legal Education courses on developments in Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law. He is active in local professional organizations, and, in 2022, he served a Co-chairperson of the Philadelphia Bar Associations Workers’ Compensation Section.
Since coming to EOL in 2024, he has dedicated his practice entirely to helping injured workers navigate the system and obtain their rightful benefits.
Joe is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania.
Brandon Zanan heads the personal injury claim department with Ethen Ostroff Law.
Brandon’s education in both law and medicine assist him in expertly representing badly injured victims. Brandon has a Master’s Degree in Forensic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, with a concentration in anatomy and pathology. With this knowledge, Brandon is skilled at analyzing medical records and understanding injuries that are common in personal injury claims. He uses this expertise in conjunction with listening carefully to each client’s needs, in order to fiercely advocate for clients and tell their stories when they would not otherwise have a voice.
Brandon’s background includes a variety of experience and skills in various areas of civil practice. He is the author and editor of numerous books for the George T. Bisel Publishing Company, including “Pennsylvania Damages” and the “Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Annotated,” two texts that are frequently relied on by lawyers and judges across Pennsylvania as authoritative resources on personal injury law.
Brandon is a member of the Pennsylvania and Montgomery Bar Associations. He is also a member of Pennsylvania Association for Justice, and has served as an executive board member of the Montgomery American Inn of Court.
He is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States District Courts for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Middle District of Pennsylvania, the State of New Jersey, the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Brandon has represented many clients in motor vehicle, premises liability, animal bite, and products liability cases across Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has obtained outstanding results with millions of dollars recovered for his clients.
He has been named a Pennsylvania Rising Star from 2021 onward. The “Super Lawyers-Rising Star®”, list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state
Brandon currently lives in Malvern with his wife Rachel and their son Max.
Effective Date: July 10, 2024
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