"Cancer Alert: 6 Top Skincare Products Recalled Over Toxins"

Concerns over Cancer-Causing Skincare Products

As rates of cancer continue to rise, especially among young adults, experts are focusing on environmental exposures as significant contributors. While factors like obesity, diet, and sedentary lifestyles are known to play roles in cancer development, harmful ingredients in personal care products, including skincare items, are increasingly under scrutiny. Recently, the FDA announced that Private Label Skin Care Inc., based in Los Angeles, voluntarily recalled six acne treatment products due to elevated levels of benzene, a known human carcinogen. These products were distributed in California and Georgia under well-known brand names.

The Dangers of Benzene in Skincare Products

Benzene is commonly used in industrial production and can be released into the environment through sources like cigarette smoke, auto emissions, and burning coal or oil. The FDA reports that when benzene appears in skincare products, it is typically due to contamination during the manufacturing process. Prolonged exposure to benzene through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption can lead to serious health issues, including various cancers and blood disorders. While the agency limits benzene levels in products to 2 parts per million (ppm), previous recalls have shown levels exceeding this threshold, with a major recall in March 2025 implicating popular skincare brands like La Roche-Posay, Proactiv, and select Walgreens products.

Health Risks and Recalls

The FDA classifies the recent benzene-contaminated acne products as a Class II recall, indicating that exposure to these products may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, with a low probability of serious consequences. Experts like Dr. Christopher Bunick from Yale School of Medicine stress the cumulative risks associated with benzene exposure from various sources in daily life, emphasizing the need for consumer awareness and caution when selecting personal care products.

How to Minimize Exposure

While manufacturers and regulatory agencies work to address benzene contamination in skincare products, consumers can take steps to limit their exposure to this harmful chemical. Avoiding second-hand smoke, minimizing time spent idling in cars, handling gasoline carefully to prevent inhalation, and steering clear of products containing benzene, such as solvents and paints, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, can help reduce the risk of benzene-related health issues.

Recalled Skincare Products

If you have purchased seven-ounce bottles of any of the following benzoyl peroxide acne treatment products bearing lot numbers 58170A and 58172A with expiration dates in September 2025, discard them immediately and contact the manufacturer or retailer for further instructions:

• Artisan of Skin (Benzoyl Peroxide 10%)
  • Manufacturer Location: Beverly Hills, CA 90210
  • Recall ID: D-0663-2025
  • Units Affected: 125
• Skin MD by Dr. Monika Kiripolsky, Body Acne Cleanser (Benzoyl Peroxide 10%)
  • Manufacturer Location: Beverly Hills, CA 90211
  • Recall ID: D-0664-2025
• Torrey Pines Dermatology & Laser Center Benzaderm BPO Cleanser 10%
  • Manufacturer Location: La Jolla, California
  • Recall ID: D-0665-2025
• mel rx Skin, NO DRAMA Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Treatment
  • Manufacturer Location: Beverly Hills, CA 90210
  • Recall ID: D-0666-2025
• University Skin Institute Micronized BPO Gel Cleanser 10% – Pantea MD
  • Manufacturer Location: Sacramento, CA 95825
  • Recall ID: D-0667-2025
• edunn clarity, BP Treatment Cleanser 10%
  • Distributor: Uptown Medi Spa
  • Manufacturer Location: Phoenix, AZ
  • Recall ID: D-0668-2025

Take Action for Your Health

If you suspect that you have purchased any of these recalled skincare products, dispose of them immediately and seek guidance from the manufacturer or retailer. While the individual risk of harm may be low, proactive measures can safeguard your long-term health and well-being. Stay informed about health and wellness updates by subscribing to The Healthy newsletter and following The Healthy on social media platforms.