A HUGELY popular beauty item has been urgently recalled over fears they could contain cancer-causing chemicals.
L’Oréal has slapped a ‘do not use’ alert on its La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo facial moisturiser in stores across the US as it grapples with the shocking revelation.
L’Oréal has slapped a ‘do not use’ alert on its La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo facial treatment[/caption]
It is believed the US-based products could contain benzene, a group one carcinogen[/caption]
The cosmetics giant fears the product, which sets buyers back £27, could contain benzene, a group one carcinogen.
Brits will be relieved to hear that the contamination does not affect UK-based products, which are sold in pharmacy chains including Boots and Superdrug.
The US formulation of Effaclar Duo contains the ingredient benzoyl peroxide (BPO), which kills bacteria to help treat acne.
But BPO is known to break down into benzene in certain conditions, including warm temperatures.
In a statement, L’Oréal told Bloomberg: “In close coordination with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), we have proactively decided to remove the limited remaining units of the current formula of Effaclar Duo from retailers.
“This decision also enables a seamless transition to our new and improved Effaclar Duo formula, which has been in development since 2024 and will be available to consumers soon.”
Benzene “is a chemical that is a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature. It has a sweet odor and is highly flammable,” according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The chemical evaporates into the air very quickly and may sink into low-lying areas.
Benzene, which occurs naturally in volcanoes and forest fires and is found in cigarette smoke, dissolves only slightly in water and will float on top of the water.
It is used in the production of other chemicals that are used to make plastics, resins, and nylon, as well as lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides.
The Sun Online has reached out to L’Oréal for comment.
It comes just days after a popular children’s gardening set was recalled over a “serious chemical risk”.
Shoppers have been warned over a seven-piece toy set for kids sold by Costco in the UK.
The Long Handle Hoe and Rake in Stanley Jr. Kids Wheelbarrow and seven-piece Garden Sets have been urgently pulled from shelves.
They do not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
Office for Product Safety and Standards officials confirmed yellow paint on the hoe and rake handles contains “excess concentrations of migratable lead”.
Health risks of exposure include kidney damage, problems in the circulatory system and developing brains.
The unborn babies of pregnant women and young children are the most sensitive to lead.
Customers have been warned to check for the Costco item number 1662178, batch 12/2023, and SKU SGH021-08-SY.
What happens if you are exposed to benzene?
Exposure to high levels of benzene can cause drowsiness, headaches, irregular heartbeat, and unconsciousness.
Benzene causes long-term harmful effects on the bone marrow and can cause a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, benzene can cause cancer, including leukemia.
Those exposed to benzene poisoning are urged to go to the hospital to receive immediate medical care.
