New Health Concern: Popular Skincare Products Recalled Over Presence of Carcinogenic Chemical

Edition : Africa Eye

In a recent development raising consumer safety concerns, Proactiv, a well-known skincare brand, has voluntarily recalled tens of thousands of its products in the United States following the detection of benzene, a chemical linked to leukemia and other forms of cancer.

The recall affects specific batches of two products:

“Emergency Blemish Relief” (0.33 oz) — 38,237 units from lots V3304A and V3305A, with expiration dates of October 31, 2025.

“Skin Smoothing Exfoliator” (6 oz) — 3,500 units from lot V4204A, with an expiration date of July 31, 2025.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorized this recall as a Class II recall, meaning the products may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, though the probability of serious harm is low.

While the risk of developing leukemia or other cancers due to benzene exposure from these products is considered minimal, the FDA cautioned that repeated and prolonged exposure to benzene can lead to serious health issues.

Benzene is a widely used industrial chemical found in adhesives, rubber, and various consumer goods. In some skincare formulations, particularly those containing benzoyl peroxide (a common acne treatment), benzene can form as a byproduct under certain conditions, increasing the risk of contamination.

This incident follows a broader concern: the FDA had recently announced the recall of six other skincare and acne treatment products, including some popular creams and solutions from brands such as L’Oréal and Walgreens, due to similar benzene content.

Consumers are advised to check their product batches and discontinue use if they match the affected lot numbers. The company has committed to cooperating with health authorities and implementing stricter quality control measures moving forward.