Two household antiseptics were possibly confused for each other—and a doctor shares wisdom about a common use that it's now time to retire.
More Than 25,000 Bottles of Hydrogen Peroxide Have Been Recalled
Published on Mar. 29, 2025
It’s news to us, but we’ll take the Cleveland Clinic‘s word for it: Hydrogen peroxide is no longer recommended for wound care. “It’s time to retire peroxide from first-aid duty,” the Clinic advises, with family medicine doctor Sarah Pickering-Beers, MD, commenting: “Studies have found that it irritates the skin. It may prevent the wound from healing, doing more harm than good.”
There are still many savvy uses for the fizzy antiseptic, and if you have a bottle in storage, you may want to check it. On Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted information about a recall for 25,932 bottles of Hydrogen Peroxide Topical Solution, apparently under the Swan brand label.
Though the FDA’s report lists only one state—Virginia—where it was shipped, the product was distributed by Amazon.com Services, LLC, in Seattle, WA, which suggests it’s possible customers across the country could have purchased the now-recalled bottles.
The FDA states the recall went into effect due to a labeling mix-up: “Some bottles have an incorrect back label indicating 91% Isopropyl Alcohol”—also known as rubbing alcohol. (Though both can induce a cringe on application!)
The recalled product details include:
- [CORRECT FRONT PANEL] Hydrogen Peroxide Topical Solution, USP
- [INCORRECT BACK LABEL] Isopropyl alcohol 91%
- 32 FL ounces (OZ) (1 QT) 946 mL per bottle
- NDC 0869-0871-45
- Lot 0643188
- Expiration Date: 10/22/2026
At press time, Amazon had not listed information about the recall on their official Recalls and Product Safety Alerts page.
Consumer Product Partners, LLC, in Smyrna, TN, a manufacturer of private label products, is the listed recalling firm. Hydrogen peroxide with the Swan brand label is shown on the company’s First Aid products section, though it’s not confirmed under which brand the recalled product was labeled.
The FDA has designated the recall as a Class II event, meaning the products involved “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects.” It appears the recall was first initiated on March 7.
Though no further details were provided by the agency regarding what consumers should do with the recalled products, the correct front label of hydrogen peroxide seems to indicate the bottles may be safe to use for common cleaning purposes, like cleaning your toothbrush.
As for those minor wounds we grew up pouring a capful of peroxide on? (It still stings!) Dr. Beers at the Cleveland Clinic advises: “A good wash with soap and plenty of clean water is all you need,” followed by a gentle pat with a clean, dry towel, some antibiotic ointment, and a bandage.
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