# Why Benzoyl Peroxide Is Under Safety Review
Benzoyl peroxide has been a trusted acne treatment for decades, but recent discoveries have raised serious health concerns that prompted regulatory action in 2025. The issue centers on an unexpected chemical contaminant found in some products containing this popular ingredient.
## The Benzene Problem
In early 2025, the FDA tested 95 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide after an independent testing laboratory called Valisure raised alarms about benzene contamination. The testing revealed that six products had elevated levels of benzene, a chemical classified as a human carcinogen. Benzene is primarily used to manufacture other chemicals like plastics, resins, lubricants, and pesticides, but it has no place in skincare products meant for regular use on human skin.
Long-term exposure to benzene can increase the risk of leukemia and other blood disorders, making even small amounts in consumer products a legitimate health concern. The discovery prompted multiple voluntary recalls of popular acne treatments.
## Which Products Were Affected
The FDA identified six acne products with elevated benzene levels. These included La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream, Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, and Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream. Additionally, Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel voluntarily recalled its product after discovering elevated benzene levels during its own testing.
The good news is that more than 90 percent of the products the FDA tested had undetectable or extremely low levels of benzene, suggesting the problem was limited to specific batches or manufacturers rather than a widespread issue with benzoyl peroxide itself.
## Why This Matters
Benzoyl peroxide remains one of the most effective over-the-counter acne treatments available. Many people rely on it to manage breakouts, and dermatologists frequently recommend it as a first-line treatment. The discovery of benzene contamination does not mean benzoyl peroxide is inherently unsafe, but it does highlight the importance of rigorous testing and quality control in the skincare industry.
The contamination likely occurred during the manufacturing process rather than being an intentional ingredient. However, the presence of a known carcinogen in products applied directly to skin, sometimes multiple times daily, represents a significant safety issue that warranted immediate regulatory response.
## Moving Forward
The FDA’s swift action in testing products and identifying contaminated batches demonstrates the regulatory system working as intended. Consumers who used recalled products should not panic, as the risk from limited exposure is generally low. However, those concerned about their exposure should consult with a healthcare provider.
The incident has also sparked broader conversations within the dermatology community about benzoyl peroxide safety and the need for continued vigilance in acne treatment development. Experts are exploring alternative formulations and new acne treatments that may offer similar benefits with reduced risks.
For now, benzoyl peroxide remains available and widely used, but the 2025 benzene contamination discovery serves as a reminder that even well-established treatments require ongoing safety monitoring and that consumers should purchase products from reputable sources.
Sources
https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/top-10-articles-of-the-year-2025
https://www.aol.com/popular-acne-products-recalled-due-153929010.html
https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/dermatology-times-2025-year-in-review-derm-dispatch
https://www.intelmarketresearch.com/skincare-s-for-acne-prone-skin-market-22968
