Acne Treatment Recalled Due to Trace Benzene Contamination
L'Oreal USA is recalling La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo acne treatment nationwide due to trace benzene contamination. The firm voluntarily recalled all lots as a precautionary measure.
What this means for you
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: This is an FDA Class II recall involving trace benzene contamination, a known carcinogen, in an over-the-counter topical medication. While no illnesses or injuries have been reported, this constitutes a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been confirmed, meeting the criterion for High severity.
Plain-English summary
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment, a 5.5% benzoyl peroxide topical acne medication, is being recalled nationwide. The product is available in two sizes: 20 mL (0.7 fl. oz.) tubes (UPC 3606000508804) and 40 mL (1.35 fl. oz.) tubes (UPC 883140500759), both manufactured by L'Oreal USA.
The recall was initiated due to the detection of trace levels of benzene in a specific product lot (MYX46W), resulting from cGMP deviations. Benzene is a known carcinogen. As a precautionary measure, L'Oreal USA voluntarily expanded the recall to include all lots of this product.
Affected lots include multiple batches with expiration dates ranging from March 2025 through June 2026. Consumers who have purchased this product should discontinue use.
The recalled product
- Product
- La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment, 5.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Medication, a) UPC 3606000508804, 20 mL (0.7 fl. oz.) Tube per Carton, b) 883140500759, 40 mL (1.35 fl. oz.) Tube per Carton, La Roche-Posay LLC, 10 Hudson Yards, New Yor
- Manufacturer
- L'Oreal USA
- Category
- Drug — Topical Acne Treatment
- Hazard
- benzene
- contamination
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Lot numbers (1)
- a) Lot #s
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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