An Acne Treatment Has Been Recalled by a National Retail Chain

Editor’s note: This article was updated Wednesday, March 19 to include new recall details provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Acne is often associated with hormonal changes during puberty, but these days it’s better understood that hormonal fluctuations occur throughout our lives. According to Cleveland Clinic, about 80% of people between 11 and 30 years old “will have at least a mild form of acne.”

And since skin issues can affect self-image and even work or school performance, it’s fortunate that treatments—both prescription and over-the-counter—are so accessible these days. However, one in the latter category, sold under the brand name of America’s largest pharmacy, is being recalled as customers are cautioned not to use it.

On March 10, CVS announced a recall for CVS Acne Treatment Cream, sold in one-ounce tubes. “Manufacturer is voluntarily recalling product due to potential benzene contamination,” the recall notice reads, adding consumers “should immediately discontinue use of it.” The notice also states customers can return the product to a CVS location to receive a full refund.

It’s unclear how many products are recalled, or whether the affected products were limited to certain locations. However, given that CVS has over 9,000 locations across the U.S., it’s possible the recall is nationwide.

The chain’s announcement listed the following details for the affected CVS Acne Treatment Cream:

• Product SKU: 192150
• Product UPC: 50428331705
• All lots

On Tuesday, March 18, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offered additional details, now labeling the event as a Class II recall, meaning the products “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects.”

In total, 112,045 tubes of the CVS Acne Treatment Cream have been recalled with the following information:

• CVS Health Concealing Acne Treatment Cream, 10% benzoyl peroxide
• 1 oz (28 g)
• Distributed by: CVS Pharmacy, Inc
• Lot # and Expiration Dates:
  • 4970743A, Exp 3/31/2026
  • 9712793A, Exp 9/30/2026
  • 8363513B, Exp 12/31/2026
  • 1391304A, 5101574A, Exp 5/31/2027
  • 1292084A, 1292084B, 1292084C, Exp 7/31/2027
  • 2892384A, Exp 8/31/2027
  • 6203044A, 6203044B, Exp 10/31/2027
  • 2153564A, 2153564B, Exp 12/31/2027
  • 2163564A, Exp 1/31/2028

The FDA lists Fruit Of The Earth, Inc. in Grand Prairie, TX, as the recalling firm. Fruit Of The Earth also appears to be connected to a Walgreens-branded acne product recall.

Research published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology in October 2024 found that benzoyl peroxide (BPO), a common ingredient in acne products, can degrade into benzene, at times due to higher temperatures during storage and travel during the shipping and distribution process. Benzene has been connected to higher risks of select cancers like leukemia and blood cancer, and is considered a known carcinogen.

That 2024 study examined over 100 acne products. Researchers found that 34% of these products contained levels above the FDA’s limit for benzene. One of those items has the same UPC as the recalled CVS acne treatment, which contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, according to its product information. Presumably in large part due to benzoyl peroxide being its one active ingredient, the acne cream boasts 4.5 stars from over 100 reviewers on the CVS site.

Side effects caused by exposure to benzene depend on how much and for how long a person was exposed to it. However, exposure to high levels of benzene can cause the following symptoms, as noted by WebMD:

• Headaches
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pale or red-dotted skin
• Tremors

The CVS recall announcement did not mention any consumer illnesses or injuries.

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