Recall of 40,000 Proactiv Products Receives Update From the FDA

Acne may be commonly associated with teenagers, but let’s be real—zits are an issue for a lot of adults, too. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting around 15% of the population.

So, it’s clear why skincare company Proactiv is so popular. Its website boasts that their products “attack acne at every stage of the cycle to help stop current breakouts in their tracks and inhibit new ones from forming.”

But, unfortunately for Proactiv consumers, over 40,000 products were involved in a major recall affecting the skincare industry back in March due to the presence of benzene, a chemical linked to leukemia and other disorders.

Just this week, on April 9, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an update to the recall for Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief and Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator products. The agency has deemed the recall event as a Class II health risk—this means that anyone who has used or been exposed to the affected products could experience temporary side effects but are unlikely to lead to serious health consequences.

The FDA report also highlighted the following key details about the recalled items:

Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief (Benzoyl Peroxide 5%)

• Packaged as 0.33 oz. (9.45 g) bottles
• Lot codes: V3304A or V3305A
• UPC codes: 7 35786 01921 1, 8 42944 10223 1, or 8 42944 10241 5 (a twin pack)
• Expiration date: 10/31/2025
• Total items recalled: 38,237 bottles

Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator (Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%)

• Packaged as 6 fl. oz. (177.4 mL) or 0.33 oz (9.45g) bottles
• Lot code: V4204A
• UPC codes: 7 35786 01528 or 8 42944 10223
• Expiration date: 07/31/2025
• Total items recalled: 3,500 bottles

These products were distributed by Alchemee LLC in Santa Monica, California.

While the FDA announcement does not state this, consumers should presumably dispose of the item or return it to its place of purchase to inquire about a refund.

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