FDA Skincare Recall Raises Concerns: Why Clean Ingredients Matter
The Shocking FDA Recall: What You Should Know
In March 2025, the FDA recalled popular acne treatments over benzene contamination, highlighting hidden toxins in beauty products. Here's what happened and how to choose cleaner, safer alternatives.
What Happened in the March 2025 Skincare Recall?
In early March 2025, news broke that several acne skincare products were voluntarily recalled after FDA testing found they contained elevated levels of benzene
. The affected products – all benzoyl peroxide acne treatments – came from well-known brands, including both drugstore and luxury lines. Specifically, the recall targeted certain lots of:
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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (Dual Action Acne Treatment)
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Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser
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Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief (5% benzoyl peroxide cream)
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Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator
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SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion (SLMD is Dr. Sandra Lee's skincare line)
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Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream
The Fragrance Loophole: Hidden Risks in Your Routine
As explained in our blog post on toxic candles, fragrance—whether in candles, perfumes, or lotions—can include dozens of undisclosed ingredients. And yes, many of them are linked to serious health risks.
Here’s why:
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“Fragrance” is considered a trade secret, so companies don’t have to list what’s actually in it.
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Many conventional fragrance ingredients are classified as CMRs (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic).
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Some contain phthalates and parabens, known endocrine disruptors.
At Malibu Apothecary, we believe transparency is everything. That’s why every fragrance we use is free from parabens, phthalates, dyes, and carcinogens.
Why Clean Beauty and Fragrance Matter More Than Ever
This isn’t just about skincare and makeup. It’s about everything you bring into your space—from what you put on your skin to what you breathe in.
At Malibu Apothecary, our luxury candles are made with:
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All-natural coconut and soy wax
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Phthalate-free and paraben-free fragrance oils
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Clean-burning wicks
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Sustainable and cruelty-free ingredients
Whether you’re spritzing on a perfume or lighting a candle to wind down at the end of the day, it should be a safe, relaxing experience—not one that comes with hidden risks.
What You Can Do: Safer Alternatives & Smarter Choices
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Here are a few easy swaps you can make today:
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Ditch any products with “fragrance” or “parfum” unless the brand discloses ingredients.
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Look for brands that are transparent about sourcing and testing.
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Switch to clean-burning candles, like our Malibu Apothecary coconut and soy wax candles, that use non-toxic ingredients and never include harsh additives.
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Ask questions. If a brand won’t tell you what’s in their fragrance, that’s a red flag.
Clean Doesn’t Mean Compromise
Luxury should never come at the cost of your health. With Malibu Apothecary, you don’t have to choose between a beautiful scent and clean ingredients. From our signature candle scents to our custom fragrance offerings, we create products that make your space smell amazing—without putting your wellness at risk.
Final Thoughts
The FDA’s latest recall is a wake-up call. It’s time to read labels, ask questions, and support brands that put your health first. Ready to start? Try a cleaner candle experience today.
💡 Want to create a scent that’s uniquely yours?
Book a custom candle-making class in Dallas or explore our private label options for custom-scented candles.
Sources:
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ABC News. FDA recalls acne treatments from La Roche-Posay, Proactiv and others due to cancer risk. March 7, 2025. Link
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Daily Mail. FDA recalls hugely popular beauty products linked to CANCER. March 6, 2025. Link
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Valisure. Benzoyl Peroxide Product Testing and Analysis. March 2024. Link
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FDA Recall Database. Link
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NBC News. FDA investigating acne treatments for cancer-causing chemical. March 2025. Link
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WebMD. Some Candles Pollute Indoor Air. August 2009. Link
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CDC. Benzene Toxicology Profile. Link
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FDA. Q&A: Benzene in drugs and personal care products. Link
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CNN. Dry shampoos recalled due to cancer-causing chemical. October 2022. Link
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Malibu Apothecary. Brand & Product Information. Link
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