L’Oréal has voluntarily recalled all lots of its acne treatment, Effaclar Duo, in the U.S. due to concerns that the product may be contaminated with benzene, a known carcinogen.
Effaclar Duo, sold under the French company’s La Roche-Posay brand, is made using benzoyl peroxide (BPO), an active ingredient commonly used to treat acne. However, BPO came under scrutiny over a year ago due to concerns about its potential to degrade and form benzene. Valisure, an independent testing laboratory, first reported the presence of benzene in certain BPO-containing acne products and submitted a Citizen’s Petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting their removal from the market.
Although L’Oréal has not yet confirmed whether additional recalls will follow, the company revealed in a statement to Bloomberg:
“Therefore, in close coordination with the FDA, we have proactively decided to remove the limited remaining units of the current formula of Effaclar Duo from retailers.”
They added, “An improved formulation of Effaclar Duo that has been in development since 2024 will soon be available.”
The Benzene Controversy
In recent years, benzene contamination has made headlines due to its detection in various personal care products, including dry shampoo, sunscreen, and, more recently, acne treatments. Several studies have investigated benzene contamination in BPO-based products, with one of the most notable being Valisure’s research, which highlighted the potential risks associated with BPO degradation. Their findings revealed that certain formulations of benzoyl peroxide could break down over time, particularly under specific storage conditions, leading to unsafe benzene levels in consumer products.
Christopher G. Bunick, MD, PhD, expert dermatologist and planning committee member of the South Beach Symposium, has emphasized the need for further studies to assess the long-term safety and stability of BPO. He has particularly stressed the importance of evaluating how storage conditions and formulation factors contribute to benzene formation.
The recall of Effaclar Duo serves as a stark reminder of the growing concerns surrounding benzene contamination in personal care products. While L’Oréal has taken proactive steps to address the issue, the controversy underscores the need for continued research and regulatory oversight. As investigations continue, it is crucial that consumers and practitioners alike stay informed about product safety and formulation updates.
Source:
- L’Oreal recalls acne treatment on cancer-linked chemical. (n.d.). Fortune Well. https://fortune.com/well/2025/03/10/loreal-recall-effaclar-duo-acne-treatment-cancer-linked-chemical-benzene/
