{
  "publisher": "AcneRid",
  "page": "https://acnerid.com/tools/benzoyl-peroxide-benzene-tracker/",
  "citation": "AcneRid benzoyl peroxide benzene tracker, https://acnerid.com/tools/benzoyl-peroxide-benzene-tracker/",
  "disclaimer": "Informational only; not medical advice. Each entry cites its primary source; check that source before relying on an entry.",
  "meta": {
    "name": "Benzoyl peroxide benzene tracker",
    "description": "Benzoyl peroxide acne products named in U.S. FDA-announced benzene recalls (March 2025), a Health Canada recall, and Valisure's 2024 citizen petition to the FDA, with lot numbers, status, source and date for every entry.",
    "lastChecked": "2026-09-23",
    "lastUpdated": "2026-09-23",
    "nextScheduledAudit": "2026-12-31",
    "fdaTesting": {
      "announced": "2025-03-11",
      "productsTested": 95,
      "summary": "The FDA tested 95 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide. More than 90% had undetectable or extremely low levels of benzene; six had elevated levels. As a result of this and other testing, the manufacturers of seven products voluntarily recalled specific lots at the retail level.",
      "productLevelResultsPublished": false,
      "productLevelNote": "As of our last check, the FDA had published the names of the recalled products only, not product-by-product results for the other products it tested. That is why this tracker has no 'tested below threshold' rows yet. If the FDA publishes full results, we will add them.",
      "source": {
        "title": "Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene; findings show a small number of products with elevated levels of benzene contamination",
        "publisher": "U.S. Food and Drug Administration",
        "url": "https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/limited-number-voluntary-recalls-initiated-after-fda-testing-acne-products-benzene-findings-show",
        "date": "2025-03-11"
      }
    },
    "benzeneLimitPpm": 2,
    "benzeneLimitNote": "FDA guidance, consistent with ICH Q3C, says benzene should be avoided in drug manufacturing and, where its use is unavoidable, kept below 2 parts per million (ppm) in drug products.",
    "provenance": "Recall rows reproduce the FDA's March 11, 2025 recall table as reported by several independent outlets and retailer notices, plus a Health Canada recall notice. Independent-testing rows come from news coverage of Valisure's March 2024 citizen petition and list only products that coverage tied to a specific benzene figure; brands named without a specific product and figure are not listed. Each row lists its primary source and the secondary reports we checked it against. Rows marked 'Checked against secondary reports' should be re-checked against the primary page at the next audit."
  },
  "entries": [
    {
      "id": "la-roche-posay-effaclar-duo-myx46w",
      "product": "Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment",
      "brand": "La Roche-Posay",
      "strength": null,
      "format": "Treatment (leave-on)",
      "status": "recalled",
      "jurisdiction": "US",
      "recallLevel": "Retail",
      "findingBy": "FDA testing",
      "lots": [
        {
          "lot": "MYX46W",
          "expires": "April 2025"
        }
      ],
      "summary": "One lot voluntarily recalled at the retail level after FDA testing found elevated benzene. Stores were told to remove it from shelves and online listings.",
      "benzeneReported": null,
      "source": {
        "title": "Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene",
        "publisher": "U.S. Food and Drug Administration",
        "url": "https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/limited-number-voluntary-recalls-initiated-after-fda-testing-acne-products-benzene-findings-show",
        "date": "2025-03-11"
      },
      "corroboration": [
        {
          "title": "La Roche-Posay, Proactiv, Walgreens skin care products voluntarily recalled",
          "publisher": "ABC News",
          "url": "https://abcnews.com/GMA/Wellness/skincare-products-recalled-benzene/story?id=119751160"
        },
        {
          "title": "Some acne treatments from brands like Walgreens, La Roche-Posay voluntarily recalled",
          "publisher": "NPR",
          "url": "https://www.npr.org/2025/03/13/nx-s1-5327592/acne-treatment-recall-walgreens-la-roche-posay-proactiv"
        }
      ],
      "verification": "secondary",
      "lastChecked": "2026-09-23",
      "notes": "Only lot MYX46W was named. Other lots of this product were not part of the recall."
    },
    {
      "id": "proactiv-emergency-blemish-relief-5-v3305a-v3304a",
      "product": "Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5%",
      "brand": "Proactiv",
      "strength": "5%",
      "format": "Spot treatment (leave-on)",
      "status": "recalled",
      "jurisdiction": "US",
      "recallLevel": "Retail",
      "findingBy": "FDA testing",
      "lots": [
        {
          "lot": "V3305A",
          "expires": "October 2025"
        },
        {
          "lot": "V3304A",
          "expires": "October 2025"
        }
      ],
      "summary": "Two lots voluntarily recalled at the retail level after the FDA shared its benzene test results with the maker, Alchemee. News reports of the FDA enforcement entry describe it as a Class II recall.",
      "benzeneReported": null,
      "source": {
        "title": "Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene",
        "publisher": "U.S. Food and Drug Administration",
        "url": "https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/limited-number-voluntary-recalls-initiated-after-fda-testing-acne-products-benzene-findings-show",
        "date": "2025-03-11"
      },
      "corroboration": [
        {
          "title": "Recall of 40,000 Proactiv Products Receives Update From the FDA",
          "publisher": "The Healthy (Trusted Media Brands)",
          "url": "https://www.thehealthy.com/news/news-proactiv-recall-receives-fda-update/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Proactiv Skin Care Products Recalled Nationwide as Carcinogen Found",
          "publisher": "Newsweek",
          "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/proactiv-products-recalled-nationwide-carcinogen-found-2058447"
        }
      ],
      "verification": "secondary",
      "lastChecked": "2026-09-23",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "id": "proactiv-bpo-products-canada",
      "product": "Proactiv and Proactiv+ products with 2.5% or 5% benzoyl peroxide (several products and sets)",
      "brand": "Proactiv",
      "strength": "2.5% or 5%",
      "format": "Several (cleansers, treatments, exfoliators, sets)",
      "status": "recalled",
      "jurisdiction": "Canada",
      "recallLevel": null,
      "findingBy": "Health Canada recall notice",
      "lots": [
        {
          "lot": "T4066A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "T4221A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "T3244A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "T4047A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "T4047B",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "T4051A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "T3352A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "T3353A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "T4046A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "T4226A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4330A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4355A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4281A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4066A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4068A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4067A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4068B",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "SC5029A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "SC5029B",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "SC5028A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4050A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4051A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4204A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4205A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4040A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4043B",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4044B",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4277A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4277C",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "SC5013A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4235A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "SC4333A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "SC4332A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "SC4130A",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "V4234A",
          "expires": null
        }
      ],
      "summary": "Health Canada posted a recall of specific lots of Proactiv and Proactiv+ benzoyl peroxide products sold in Canada because benzene in those lots may be outside the allowable limit. Its advice to consumers is to check whether a product is affected, stop using it, and talk to a health care professional about any concerns.",
      "benzeneReported": null,
      "source": {
        "title": "Proactiv / Proactiv + BPO Products: Benzene Concentration Outside Allowable Limit",
        "publisher": "Health Canada",
        "url": "https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/proactiv-proactiv-bpo-products-benzene-concentration-outside-allowable-limit",
        "date": null
      },
      "corroboration": [
        {
          "title": "Proactiv products sold in Canada recalled",
          "publisher": "OurWindsor.ca",
          "url": "https://www.ourwindsor.ca/news/health-canada-skin-products-recall/article_2a89e2cd-a9a4-5497-8826-48c6716c9a3c.html"
        }
      ],
      "verification": "secondary",
      "lastChecked": "2026-09-23",
      "notes": "This is a Canadian recall and covers Canadian lots. The Health Canada notice lists each product and its Drug Identification Number (DIN). We could not confirm the notice's publication date, so it is left blank. Check the notice for the full product list. We have not confirmed the recall classification on the notice, so it is not shown."
    },
    {
      "id": "proactiv-skin-smoothing-exfoliator-v4204a",
      "product": "Skin Smoothing Exfoliator",
      "brand": "Proactiv",
      "strength": null,
      "format": "Exfoliating cleanser (wash-off)",
      "status": "recalled",
      "jurisdiction": "US",
      "recallLevel": "Retail",
      "findingBy": "FDA testing",
      "lots": [
        {
          "lot": "V4204A",
          "expires": "July 2025"
        }
      ],
      "summary": "One lot voluntarily recalled at the retail level after FDA testing found elevated benzene. News reports of the FDA enforcement entry describe it as a Class II recall.",
      "benzeneReported": null,
      "source": {
        "title": "Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene",
        "publisher": "U.S. Food and Drug Administration",
        "url": "https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/limited-number-voluntary-recalls-initiated-after-fda-testing-acne-products-benzene-findings-show",
        "date": "2025-03-11"
      },
      "corroboration": [
        {
          "title": "Recall of 40,000 Proactiv Products Receives Update From the FDA",
          "publisher": "The Healthy (Trusted Media Brands)",
          "url": "https://www.thehealthy.com/news/news-proactiv-recall-receives-fda-update/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Proactiv / Proactiv + BPO Products: Benzene Concentration Outside Allowable Limit",
          "publisher": "Health Canada",
          "url": "https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/proactiv-proactiv-bpo-products-benzene-concentration-outside-allowable-limit"
        }
      ],
      "verification": "secondary",
      "lastChecked": "2026-09-23",
      "notes": "Most reports give the lot as V4204A. At least one secondary report printed V4202A, which we believe is a typo. Check the FDA page if your lot is close to either."
    },
    {
      "id": "slmd-benzoyl-peroxide-acne-lotion-2430600",
      "product": "Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion",
      "brand": "SLMD Skincare",
      "strength": null,
      "format": "Lotion (leave-on)",
      "status": "recalled",
      "jurisdiction": "US",
      "recallLevel": "Retail",
      "findingBy": "FDA testing",
      "lots": [
        {
          "lot": "2430600",
          "expires": "March 2025"
        }
      ],
      "summary": "One lot voluntarily recalled at the retail level after FDA testing found elevated benzene. This lot's expiration date has passed, so it should be thrown away anyway.",
      "benzeneReported": null,
      "source": {
        "title": "Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene",
        "publisher": "U.S. Food and Drug Administration",
        "url": "https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/limited-number-voluntary-recalls-initiated-after-fda-testing-acne-products-benzene-findings-show",
        "date": "2025-03-11"
      },
      "corroboration": [
        {
          "title": "Some acne treatments from brands like Walgreens and La Roche-Posay voluntarily recalled",
          "publisher": "LAist",
          "url": "https://laist.com/news/health/acne-treatments-from-brands-walgreens-la-roche-posay-voluntarily-recalled"
        }
      ],
      "verification": "secondary",
      "lastChecked": "2026-09-23",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "id": "walgreens-acne-control-cleanser-23-09328",
      "product": "Acne Control Cleanser",
      "brand": "Walgreens",
      "strength": null,
      "format": "Cleanser (wash-off)",
      "status": "recalled",
      "jurisdiction": "US",
      "recallLevel": "Retail",
      "findingBy": "FDA testing",
      "lots": [
        {
          "lot": "23 09328",
          "expires": "September 2025"
        }
      ],
      "summary": "One lot voluntarily recalled at the retail level after FDA testing found elevated benzene.",
      "benzeneReported": null,
      "source": {
        "title": "Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene",
        "publisher": "U.S. Food and Drug Administration",
        "url": "https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/limited-number-voluntary-recalls-initiated-after-fda-testing-acne-products-benzene-findings-show",
        "date": "2025-03-11"
      },
      "corroboration": [
        {
          "title": "Walgreens Products Recalled in All 50 States: Full List of Items Impacted",
          "publisher": "Newsweek",
          "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/walgreens-products-recalled-nationwide-full-list-benzene-acne-products-2047649"
        },
        {
          "title": "Some acne treatments from brands like Walgreens and La Roche-Posay voluntarily recalled",
          "publisher": "LAist",
          "url": "https://laist.com/news/health/acne-treatments-from-brands-walgreens-la-roche-posay-voluntarily-recalled"
        }
      ],
      "verification": "secondary",
      "lastChecked": "2026-09-23",
      "notes": "The lot number is printed with a space (\"23 09328\"). Search works with or without the space."
    },
    {
      "id": "walgreens-tinted-acne-treatment-cream-49707430",
      "product": "Tinted Acne Treatment Cream",
      "brand": "Walgreens",
      "strength": null,
      "format": "Tinted cream (leave-on)",
      "status": "recalled",
      "jurisdiction": "US",
      "recallLevel": "Retail",
      "findingBy": "FDA testing",
      "lots": [
        {
          "lot": "49707430",
          "expires": "March 2026"
        }
      ],
      "summary": "One lot voluntarily recalled at the retail level after FDA testing found elevated benzene.",
      "benzeneReported": null,
      "source": {
        "title": "Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene",
        "publisher": "U.S. Food and Drug Administration",
        "url": "https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/limited-number-voluntary-recalls-initiated-after-fda-testing-acne-products-benzene-findings-show",
        "date": "2025-03-11"
      },
      "corroboration": [
        {
          "title": "Some acne treatments from brands like Walgreens and La Roche-Posay voluntarily recalled",
          "publisher": "LAist",
          "url": "https://laist.com/news/health/acne-treatments-from-brands-walgreens-la-roche-posay-voluntarily-recalled"
        },
        {
          "title": "Walgreens Products Recalled in All 50 States: Full List of Items Impacted",
          "publisher": "Newsweek",
          "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/walgreens-products-recalled-nationwide-full-list-benzene-acne-products-2047649"
        }
      ],
      "verification": "secondary",
      "lastChecked": "2026-09-23",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "id": "zapzyt-acne-treatment-gel-10",
      "product": "Acne Treatment Gel 10% Benzoyl Peroxide",
      "brand": "Zapzyt",
      "strength": "10%",
      "format": "Gel (leave-on)",
      "status": "recalled",
      "jurisdiction": "US",
      "recallLevel": "Retail",
      "findingBy": "Manufacturer's own testing",
      "lots": [
        {
          "lot": "0153",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "0154",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "0155",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "0156",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "0161",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "0326",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "0327",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "0328",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "0329",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "0479",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "0480",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "9762",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "9763",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "9764",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "9765",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "9869",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "9870",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "9871",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "9872",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "9995",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "9996",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "9997",
          "expires": null
        },
        {
          "lot": "9998",
          "expires": null
        }
      ],
      "summary": "Voluntarily recalled at the retail level after the manufacturer's own testing found elevated benzene. The FDA listed it alongside the six products from its own testing. Reports of the FDA enforcement entry name Denison Pharmaceuticals, LLC as the recalling firm.",
      "benzeneReported": null,
      "source": {
        "title": "Limited number of voluntary recalls initiated after FDA testing of acne products for benzene",
        "publisher": "U.S. Food and Drug Administration",
        "url": "https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-alerts-and-statements/limited-number-voluntary-recalls-initiated-after-fda-testing-acne-products-benzene-findings-show",
        "date": "2025-03-11"
      },
      "corroboration": [
        {
          "title": "Product Recall: Zapzyt Acne Gel",
          "publisher": "Dierbergs Markets (retailer recall notice)",
          "url": "https://www.dierbergs.com/pages/product-recall-zapzyt-acne-gel"
        },
        {
          "title": "Another 655,000 Skincare Products Have Been Recalled Nationwide",
          "publisher": "The Healthy (Trusted Media Brands)",
          "url": "https://www.thehealthy.com/skin-health/another-655000-skincare-products-have-been-recalled-nationwide/"
        }
      ],
      "verification": "secondary",
      "lastChecked": "2026-09-23",
      "notes": "The lot list comes from a retailer recall notice and news reports of the FDA enforcement entry. We could not confirm expiration dates for these lots, so they are left blank rather than guessed."
    },
    {
      "id": "valisure-clearasil-10-cream",
      "product": "Clearasil 10% benzoyl peroxide cream (as identified in the petition)",
      "brand": "Clearasil (Reckitt)",
      "strength": "10%",
      "format": "Cream (leave-on)",
      "status": "independent-testing",
      "jurisdiction": "US",
      "recallLevel": null,
      "findingBy": "Valisure (independent lab), heat-stress testing",
      "lots": [],
      "summary": "Named in Valisure's March 2024 citizen petition. Media coverage reported benzene at 308 ppm after heat incubation in the lab.",
      "benzeneReported": "308 ppm (after heat incubation, as reported)",
      "source": {
        "title": "Benzene, a known carcinogen, found in some popular acne products, lab says. Here's what to know.",
        "publisher": "CBS News (reporting Valisure's citizen petition)",
        "url": "https://www.cbsnews.com/news/benzene-carcinogen-found-acne-products-what-to-know/",
        "date": "2024-03-06"
      },
      "corroboration": [
        {
          "title": "Valisure Citizen Petition on Benzene in Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Products",
          "publisher": "Valisure, LLC (petition PDF)",
          "url": "https://assets-global.website-files.com/6215052733f8bb8fea016220/65e8560962ed23f744902a7b_Valisure%20Citizen%20Petition%20on%20Benzene%20in%20Benzoyl%20Peroxide%20Drug%20Products.pdf"
        }
      ],
      "verification": "secondary",
      "lastChecked": "2026-09-23",
      "notes": "Not part of the FDA's March 2025 recall list. Being named here does not mean the FDA recalled this product or found it unsafe. The figure comes from news coverage of the petition; we have not yet matched it, the exact product name and the test conditions to the petition document itself."
    },
    {
      "id": "valisure-clinique-2-5-cream",
      "product": "Clinique 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream (as identified in the petition)",
      "brand": "Clinique (Estée Lauder)",
      "strength": "2.5%",
      "format": "Cream (leave-on)",
      "status": "independent-testing",
      "jurisdiction": "US",
      "recallLevel": null,
      "findingBy": "Valisure (independent lab), heat-stress testing",
      "lots": [],
      "summary": "Named in Valisure's March 2024 citizen petition. Media coverage reported benzene at 401 ppm after heat incubation in the lab.",
      "benzeneReported": "401 ppm (after heat incubation, as reported)",
      "source": {
        "title": "Benzene, a known carcinogen, found in some popular acne products, lab says. Here's what to know.",
        "publisher": "CBS News (reporting Valisure's citizen petition)",
        "url": "https://www.cbsnews.com/news/benzene-carcinogen-found-acne-products-what-to-know/",
        "date": "2024-03-06"
      },
      "corroboration": [
        {
          "title": "Valisure Citizen Petition on Benzene in Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Products",
          "publisher": "Valisure, LLC (petition PDF)",
          "url": "https://assets-global.website-files.com/6215052733f8bb8fea016220/65e8560962ed23f744902a7b_Valisure%20Citizen%20Petition%20on%20Benzene%20in%20Benzoyl%20Peroxide%20Drug%20Products.pdf"
        }
      ],
      "verification": "secondary",
      "lastChecked": "2026-09-23",
      "notes": "Not part of the FDA's March 2025 recall list. Being named here does not mean the FDA recalled this product or found it unsafe. The figure comes from news coverage of the petition; we have not yet matched it, the exact product name and the test conditions to the petition document itself."
    },
    {
      "id": "valisure-proactiv-2-5-cream",
      "product": "Proactiv 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream (as identified in the petition)",
      "brand": "Proactiv",
      "strength": "2.5%",
      "format": "Cream (leave-on)",
      "status": "independent-testing",
      "jurisdiction": "US",
      "recallLevel": null,
      "findingBy": "Valisure (independent lab), heat-stress testing",
      "lots": [],
      "summary": "Named in Valisure's March 2024 citizen petition to the FDA. Media coverage of the petition reported benzene at 1,761 ppm, measured after the lab incubated the product at elevated temperature. That is not the same as measuring the product as sold.",
      "benzeneReported": "1,761 ppm (after heat incubation, as reported)",
      "source": {
        "title": "Benzene, a known carcinogen, found in some popular acne products, lab says. Here's what to know.",
        "publisher": "CBS News (reporting Valisure's citizen petition)",
        "url": "https://www.cbsnews.com/news/benzene-carcinogen-found-acne-products-what-to-know/",
        "date": "2024-03-06"
      },
      "corroboration": [
        {
          "title": "Valisure Citizen Petition on Benzene in Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Products",
          "publisher": "Valisure, LLC (petition PDF)",
          "url": "https://assets-global.website-files.com/6215052733f8bb8fea016220/65e8560962ed23f744902a7b_Valisure%20Citizen%20Petition%20on%20Benzene%20in%20Benzoyl%20Peroxide%20Drug%20Products.pdf"
        }
      ],
      "verification": "secondary",
      "lastChecked": "2026-09-23",
      "notes": "The FDA's own 2025 testing did not confirm widespread contamination. Being named here does not mean the FDA recalled this product or found it unsafe. The figure comes from news coverage of the petition; we have not yet matched it, the exact product name and the test conditions to the petition document itself."
    },
    {
      "id": "valisure-target-up-and-up-2-5-cream",
      "product": "Up & Up 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream (as identified in the petition)",
      "brand": "Target (Up & Up)",
      "strength": "2.5%",
      "format": "Cream (leave-on)",
      "status": "independent-testing",
      "jurisdiction": "US",
      "recallLevel": null,
      "findingBy": "Valisure (independent lab), heat-stress testing",
      "lots": [],
      "summary": "Named in Valisure's March 2024 citizen petition. Media coverage reported benzene at 1,598 ppm after heat incubation in the lab.",
      "benzeneReported": "1,598 ppm (after heat incubation, as reported)",
      "source": {
        "title": "Benzene, a known carcinogen, found in some popular acne products, lab says. Here's what to know.",
        "publisher": "CBS News (reporting Valisure's citizen petition)",
        "url": "https://www.cbsnews.com/news/benzene-carcinogen-found-acne-products-what-to-know/",
        "date": "2024-03-06"
      },
      "corroboration": [
        {
          "title": "Valisure Citizen Petition on Benzene in Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Products",
          "publisher": "Valisure, LLC (petition PDF)",
          "url": "https://assets-global.website-files.com/6215052733f8bb8fea016220/65e8560962ed23f744902a7b_Valisure%20Citizen%20Petition%20on%20Benzene%20in%20Benzoyl%20Peroxide%20Drug%20Products.pdf"
        }
      ],
      "verification": "secondary",
      "lastChecked": "2026-09-23",
      "notes": "Not part of the FDA's March 2025 recall list. Being named here does not mean the FDA recalled this product or found it unsafe. The figure comes from news coverage of the petition; we have not yet matched it, the exact product name and the test conditions to the petition document itself."
    },
    {
      "id": "valisure-walgreens-10-cream",
      "product": "Walgreens 10% benzoyl peroxide cream (as identified in the petition)",
      "brand": "Walgreens",
      "strength": "10%",
      "format": "Cream (leave-on)",
      "status": "independent-testing",
      "jurisdiction": "US",
      "recallLevel": null,
      "findingBy": "Valisure (independent lab), heat-stress testing",
      "lots": [],
      "summary": "Named in Valisure's March 2024 citizen petition. Media coverage reported benzene at 114 ppm after heat incubation in the lab. This is a different product from the two Walgreens products recalled in 2025.",
      "benzeneReported": "114 ppm (after heat incubation, as reported)",
      "source": {
        "title": "Benzene, a known carcinogen, found in some popular acne products, lab says. Here's what to know.",
        "publisher": "CBS News (reporting Valisure's citizen petition)",
        "url": "https://www.cbsnews.com/news/benzene-carcinogen-found-acne-products-what-to-know/",
        "date": "2024-03-06"
      },
      "corroboration": [
        {
          "title": "Valisure Citizen Petition on Benzene in Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Products",
          "publisher": "Valisure, LLC (petition PDF)",
          "url": "https://assets-global.website-files.com/6215052733f8bb8fea016220/65e8560962ed23f744902a7b_Valisure%20Citizen%20Petition%20on%20Benzene%20in%20Benzoyl%20Peroxide%20Drug%20Products.pdf"
        }
      ],
      "verification": "secondary",
      "lastChecked": "2026-09-23",
      "notes": "Being named here does not mean the FDA recalled this product or found it unsafe. The figure comes from news coverage of the petition; we have not yet matched it, the exact product name and the test conditions to the petition document itself."
    }
  ]
}