US: Popular face cream urgently recalled due to cancer-causing chemical

Sly Saint · Mar 11, 2025

L'Oréal has urgently recalled one of its popular La Roche Posay face creams over fears it contains a cancer-causing chemical.

The cosmetics giant stuck a 'do not use' alert on its dermatologist-backed acne treatment and moisturiser Effaclar Duo in the US following talks with American health chiefs.

It is feared the product, which costs around $35 (£27), is contaminated with benzene, a known carcinogen.

The US formulation of Effaclar Duo contains the ingredient benzoyl peroxide (BPO), which kills bacteria to help treat acne. The recall does not affect the UK as the substance is not present in the products on British shelves.

But BPO is known to breakdown into benzene in certain conditions, including warm temperatures.

It also comes just a year after an independent lab detected high levels of benzene in several acne treatments from brands including Clinique and Clearasil.

In a statement, L'Oréal told Bloomberg: 'In close coordination with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), we have proactively decided to remove the limited remaining units of the current formula of Effaclar Duo from retailers.
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Popular face cream urgently recalled due to cancer-causing chemical

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US: Popular face cream urgently recalled due to cancer-causing chemical

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US: Popular face cream urgently recalled due to cancer-causing chemical

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