FDA Flags Benzene in Acne Treatment Products

The agency tested 95 benzoyl peroxide acne products and found elevated benzene levels in six of them.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Allergies

Isometric editorial illustration of plain unlabeled tubes and bottles on a matte surface, with one sample vial set apart beside them. — The FDA said six of 95 benzoyl peroxide acne products tested contained elevated benzene levels and recommended a limited retail-level recall on March 11, 2025. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you trust that your everyday skin-care products are free of harmful contaminants?

On March 11, 2025, the FDA issued an alert about benzene contamination in benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products after testing 95 such products. The agency concluded that a limited number of products should be recalled at the retail level.

Why it matters

Benzene is a contaminant that regulators watch closely in consumer products, and the FDA's findings bear on which acne treatments shoppers can trust. The alert signals that testing identified a small subset of products requiring removal from store shelves.

The FDA tested 95 benzoyl peroxide products and found elevated benzene in six, while more than 90% showed undetectable or extremely low levels. The source of the contamination and the specific products affected remain unidentified in the alert.

The players

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA is the federal agency responsible for regulating drugs and cosmetics, including over-the-counter acne treatments, and it conducted the testing and issued the alert.

The details

The FDA tested acne treatment products containing benzoyl peroxide for possible benzene contamination and compared each product's levels against undetectable or extremely low readings. The agency recommended that a limited number of products be recalled at the retail level and referenced two analytical method validation guidances.

March 11, 2025: FDA issued the benzene alert and retail-level recall conclusion.

Big Picture

The alert draws on FDA analytical method validation guidances Q2(R2) and Analytical Procedures and Methods Validation for Drugs and Biologics to frame how the agency tests for contaminants in topical acne drugs. It reflects the FDA's ongoing practice of checking over-the-counter products against established laboratory standards.

Shoppers who use benzoyl peroxide acne treatments may want to check whether their product was among those flagged for retail recall. Consumers with questions about a specific product should consult the FDA or their pharmacist.

The takeaway

Checking product labels and recall notices can help people decide whether an acne treatment is safe to keep using. Consumers concerned about a product should contact their pharmacist or healthcare provider.