L’Oréal has voluntarily recalled all U.S. batches of its La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment amid concerns over possible benzene contamination. Benzene, a known carcinogen, has been detected in certain benzoyl peroxide-based acne treatments, particularly when exposed to heat or ultraviolet light.
What Led to the Recall?
Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment is a popular acne treatment under the brand.
Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment, a well-known product under the La Roche-Posay brand, contains benzoyl peroxide — a key ingredient in treating acne.
However, research has indicated that benzoyl peroxide may break down into benzene under specific conditions. Benzene is a colourless, highly volatile chemical classified as a human carcinogen by leading health authorities, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Long-term exposure to benzene, whether through inhalation or skin absorption, has been associated with an increased risk of leukemia and other blood-related cancers. Concerns over benzene contamination in cosmetic and personal care products have been growing, prompting past recalls of sunscreens, dry shampoos, and deodorants.
L’Oréal’s recall followed an independent study by Connecticut-based lab Valisure, which detected significantly high levels of benzene in various benzoyl peroxide-based acne treatments. The lab subsequently urged the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take immediate regulatory action to remove affected products from the market.
The FDA has confirmed that La Roche-Posay, along with brands such as Walgreens and Proactiv, voluntarily withdrew the impacted items.
These recalls are primarily retail-level, meaning businesses must remove the affected products from store shelves and online listings. However, there are no direct instructions for consumers to dispose of any previously purchased items.
The FDA has also stated that the likelihood of cancer development from long-term use of these products remains low.
La Roche-Posay’s Official Statement
In a statement to Health, a spokesperson for La Roche-Posay acknowledged the presence of “trace levels” of benzene in one specific batch of Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment.
“Although these trace levels do not pose a safety risk, we are committed to upholding the highest quality standards,” the spokesperson said. “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.”
The recall applies only to the Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment, while other La Roche-Posay products, including the Effaclar Duo cleanser, remain unaffected.
The company has also announced that a reformulated version of the product, which has been in development since 2024, will be launched soon.
Currently, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment is no longer available on the brand’s U.S. website or through major retailers in the country.
Availability in Malaysia
Screenshot taken from the La Roche Posay Malaysia’s official website.
A spokesperson from La Roche-Posay Singapore told Daily Vanity that the voluntary product withdrawal is limited to the United States. They stated, “Our Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) acne products, as regulated by the FDA, are only sold in the United States.”
The brand further emphasised, “At La Roche-Posay, product safety is our highest priority. According to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and the cosmetics regulations of Malaysia, Benzoyl Peroxide is not permitted in cosmetic products except for use in artificial nails.”
They clarified that none of La Roche-Posay’s offerings in Malaysia include this ingredient, and the Effaclar product available in Malaysia is Effaclar Duo+M, which is entirely different from the recalled product in the US.
“We do not sell this product in Malaysia, and thus this voluntary withdrawal does not affect Malaysia,” the spokesperson said.
For any questions, consumers can contact the La Roche-Posay team via email at lormy@info@loreal.com or by calling 1300-22-2232 (available from 10am to 7pm, Mon to Fri, excluding public holidays).
