How to Check If Your Acne Treatment Was Recalled
Acne treatments like creams, gels, and ointments can sometimes get recalled for safety issues such as contamination or faulty packaging. Knowing how to check keeps you safe and helps you act fast if needed. Here are simple steps to follow.
First, find out the exact name of your product. Look at the label for the brand, active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid, lot number, and expiration date. This info is key for searching.
Next, visit the main U.S. recall sites run by the government. Go to the Food and Drug Administration website at fda.gov and search for recalls. Type in your product name or ingredient. The FDA lists drug recalls, including acne treatments pulled for issues like benzene in benzoyl peroxide products or gritty textures in gels. For over-the-counter items, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission at cpsc.gov/recalls. They cover things like non-child-resistant packaging on topical ointments with lidocaine, which can be risky if kids get into them.
Use the search bar on these sites wisely. Enter keywords like “acne treatment recall” or the brand name, such as La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, which was recalled in 2025 over benzene worries. Filter by date or category if available to see recent ones. Read every detail in the recall notice. It will say what lots are affected, why it was recalled, like poisoning risks from methyl salicylate in oils, and what to do next, such as contacting the company for a refund or replacement.
If your product matches, stop using it right away. Secure it out of reach, especially from kids, and follow the instructions. Some recalls ask you to take a photo of the product marked “RECALLED” or destroyed, then email the company. For example, certain serums need pouring out and photo proof for a new one.
Sign up for email alerts on these sites to stay updated without checking daily. You can also search news sites or pharmacy apps for mentions, but always verify on official government pages.
Check the manufacturer’s website or call their customer service with your lot number. They often post recall info there too.
If you bought it online or from another country, peek at sites like Health Canada for their recalls, but U.S. products mainly follow FDA rules.
Do this check every few months or if you hear about contamination news. It takes just minutes but can prevent health problems.
Sources
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls
https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/top-10-articles-of-the-year-2025
https://medshadow.org/drug-updates-recalls/fda-recalls-and-warnings/fda-drug-recalls-and-warnings-atorvastatin-labeling-mix-up-with-muscle-relaxant-cyclobenzaprine-and-more/
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/private-label-skin-care-inc-715880-12182025
https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/5-steps-spot-safety-recall-164501770.html
https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/unauthorized-health-products-sold-online-and-seized-rize-fitness-may-pose-serious
