'Do not use' warning issued as popular face cream is recalled due to contamination with cancer-causing chemical
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In a major health alert, cosmetics giant L'Oréal has issued an urgent recall of its popular La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo face cream in the United States due to concerns over contamination with a cancer-causing chemical. The recall follows discussions with American health officials, prompted by fears that the product contains benzene, a known carcinogen. The affected acne treatment and moisturizer, which retails for around $35, contains benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient used to combat acne-causing bacteria, but which can degrade into benzene under certain conditions, such as high temperatures.
The recall specifically targets the U.S. formulation of Effaclar Duo. This action comes on the heels of a report from the independent laboratory Valisure, which detected dangerously high levels of benzene—up to 800 times the federally recommended limit—in various acne treatments, including those from brands like Clinique and Clearasil. Valisure has also petitioned the FDA to recall these products, conduct a formal investigation, and revise industry guidelines to address the issue, though the FDA has yet to issue an official response.
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This development has raised significant concerns among consumers, particularly as it follows a pattern of benzene contamination issues in personal care products. For U.S. consumers, L'Oréal has slapped a "do not use" warning on the recalled product, urging people to check their skincare products and stay informed as the situation develops.