Six popular acne products have recently been pulled from store shelves and online marketplaces due to a voluntary recall issued by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The recall followed the discovery of elevated levels of benzene — a known human carcinogen — in the products.
Benzene exposure is linked to serious health risks, including leukemia and other blood cancers. But what’s concerning is that benzene was not intentionally added to these products. Here’s everything you need to know about the recall and a safe alternative for blemished and blemish-prone skin.
What is Benzene and Why is it Dangerous?
Benzene is a toxic chemical, widely recognized as a human carcinogen. Long-term exposure to benzene can increase the risk of leukemia, blood cancers, and other severe health problems. In this case, benzene formed as a byproduct of benzoyl peroxide, a common acne treatment ingredient found in many popular skin care products.
What’s most concerning is that benzene is not intentionally added to the products — it can form during the breakdown of benzoyl peroxide, especially if the products are stored in a warm location. According to a 2024 petition submitted to the FDA by an independent lab, benzene can even escape into the air surrounding an unopened product, potentially exposing you to harmful fumes without ever opening it.
Which Acne Products are Affected by the Recall?
The recall affects six popular acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide. These were just a portion of 95 acne products tested by the FDA, each of which contains benzoyl peroxide. Others in this batch of 95 showed undetectable or low levels of benzene.
Despite its risks, manufacturers continue to use benzoyl peroxide in both prescription and over-the-counter products manufactured and marketed as acne treatments. In addition to benzene contamination, benzoyl peroxide can cause extreme irritation, dryness, and peeling and/or severe allergic reactions when applied topically.
A Safe Alternative for Acne Treatments
If you’re concerned about the recall of benzene-contaminated products and looking for a safer alternative, consider products containing salicylic acid. Unlike benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid is a gentle, yet effective ingredient proven to help clear blemished and blemish-prone skin. It’s a beta hydroxy acid derived from natural sources like willow bark which offers a host of benefits for blemish-prone skin, including:
- Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
- Pore-clearing and exfoliating properties
- A reduction in redness and inflammation
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends salicylic acid to treat a variety of skin types, including acne-prone complexions.
Pure Haven’s Clear Up Skin Care Collection: A Safe and Effective Solution
Our clear up collection is specially formulated to help with problem skin. Each product is made with natural, non toxic ingredients to promote clear, smooth skin.
- Clear up cleanser is made with a mild, non-drying cleansing agent that’s 100% naturally derived from coconut and features innovative ingredients like aspen and willow bark extracts to help exfoliate skin, resulting in a smooth, clear complexion with reduced inflammation and redness
- Clear up toner is packed with beneficial ingredients, including organic witch hazel to help remove impurities and reduce excess oil; and chia seed, organic willowherb, and lady’s mantle extract to help balance moisturization and reduce sebum production.
- Clear up serum is gentle and non-drying. The main active ingredient in the serum is salicylic acid, which is well-known for treating problem skin prone to irritation, inflammation, and redness.
Unlike the recalled acne products, our clear up collection is free of benzoyl peroxide, offering a safe, effective solution for blemish-prone skin.
Why Choose Pure Haven?
We are committed to using only 100% safe, effective non-toxic ingredients sourced from strictly vetted ingredient suppliers. We source ingredients, formulate, and manufacture more than 95% of our products in small batches in our own USDA Certified Organic facility. Our exclusive Pure Protect system is the world’s first non toxic preservation method, ensuring that our products remain safe without using harmful preservatives.
Pure Haven’s commitment to safety and quality means you can trust us to provide products that are effective and gentle on your skin. No toxins. No compromises.
A Safer Way to Care for Problem Skin
While the recall of popular acne products due to benzene contamination is concerning, there are safe and effective alternatives available. A salicylic acid-based product like Pure Haven’s clear up serum offers a non toxic way to address acne and skin concerns without the risks associated with benzoyl peroxide.
Shop Pure Haven today for a complete collection of safe, non toxic skin care products and more. Ask your Consultant for help choosing the products that suit your needs, or email our Customer Service team. We’re happy to help!
Sources:
Jones, K. (18 Mar 2025). FDA recalls some acne treatment products over benzene levels. Fox 13 News Tampa.
(5 Mar 2024). 65e8560962ed23f744902a7b_Valisure Citizen Petition on Benzene in Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Products.pdf
Sissons, Beth. (29 March 2021). Is salicylic acid good for acne? Medical News Today.