Health

Several kinds of acne products recalled over cancer risk, FDA says

Published

12 months ago

March 14, 2025

Several kinds of acne products recalled over cancer risk, FDA says

Several types of skincare products used to treat acne have been recalled due to a cancer risk.

The products, which contain benzoyl peroxide, a common treatment for acne, were tested for elevated levels of benzene, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a notice this week.

The recalled products include:

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment – lot number MYX46W
Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser – lot number 23 09328
Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5% – lot number V3305A; V3304A
Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator – lot number V4204A
SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion – lot number 2430600
Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream – lot number 4970743

FDA RECALLS COMMON CHINESE FOOD INGREDIENT AFTER UNDECLARED SULFITES FOUND IN FLORIDA INSPECTION

Several types of skincare products used to treat acne have been recalled over a cancer risk. (iStock)

The manufacturer of Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel also agreed to voluntarily recall the product because of an elevated level of benzene found in its own testing, the FDA said.

The FDA explained that 90% of the 95 products with benzoyl peroxide that were tested had “undetectable or extremely low levels of benzene.”

Benzene is a “chemical used in the production of a wide range of industrial products, including chemicals, dyes, detergents, and some plastics,” according to the agency.

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It is released into the air through “cigarette smoke, emissions from automobiles, and burning coal and oil.”

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment with lot number MYX46W is one of the recalled products. (La Roche-Posay)

While it is safe to use benzoyl peroxide in acne products, benzene contamination in small amounts over a long period of time “can decrease the formation of blood cells. Long-term exposure to benzene through inhalation, oral intake, and skin absorption may result in cancers such as leukemia and other blood disorders.”

The FDA said it started independent testing of benzoyl peroxide products after third-party test results “raised concerns about elevated levels of benzene in certain acne products.”

“FDA testing results indicate fewer products with benzene contamination than the third-party findings,” the agency added.

The FDA said the companies had voluntarily recalled the products, noting it was at the retail and not the consumer level. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

The FDA said the companies had voluntarily recalled the products, noting it was at the retail and not the consumer level.

“This means retailers are instructed to remove products from store shelves and online marketplaces but does not specifically instruct consumers to take actions regarding products currently in their possession,” the FDA said. “Even with daily use of these products for decades, the risk of a person developing cancer because of exposure to benzene found in these products is very low.”

Health

What’s healthier to drink: cold or hot water? Here’s what an expert says

Published

12 hours ago

March 7, 2026

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What’s healthier to drink: cold or hot water? Here’s what an expert says

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A viral wellness trend asks a simple question — is warm or cold water healthier? — but the science behind it is more nuanced.

Previous research shows that food and beverage temperature has a measurable effect on things like anxiety and gut discomfort.

One of the most long-standing health claims is that ice-cold water boosts calorie burn by forcing the body to heat it up. While this is grounded in science, the actual impact may be minimal.

Ultimately, experts say, the health impact of water temperature depends on the goal — weight loss, athletic performance, digestion or comfort.

Does cold water boost weight loss?

“As per research, in the 90 minutes after consuming cold or room temperature water, energy expenditure increases minimally by 2.9% (cold water) and 2.3% (room temperature),” Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian and diabetes expert in North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.

Extra water may suppress the appetite or may play a part in energy production and expenditure, experts say. (iStock)

While the body does expend energy to warm up cold water, Freirich noted that it’s “not significant enough to make it worthwhile” for weight loss. Hot water doesn’t exactly melt fat, however, she added.

For those looking to lose or manage weight, Freirich suggests focusing on “how much” rather than “how cold.” She pointed to research involving overweight women who added an extra 1.5 liters of water to their daily intake. Over eight weeks, the participants saw measurable weight loss.

YOUR BEDROOM TEMPERATURE COULD BE PUTTING YOUR HEART IN SERIOUS DANGER, STUDY WARNS

“The extra water may suppress the appetite or may play a part in energy production and expenditure,” Freirich said. The temperature of drinking water should not affect how well the body utilizes nutrients, she added, noting that more research is needed.

For those exercising in heat and humidity, the goal should be to rehydrate without excessive fluid loss through sweat. Research on thermoregulation suggests there is an ideal water temperature for athletes.

The temperature of drinking water should not affect how well the body utilizes nutrients, according to an expert. (iStock)

While drinking water can trigger sweating as the body regulates its temperature, 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit was associated with the least amount of perspiration.

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“Cool, but not cold,” Freirich emphasized. Drinking water in this specific range helps the body rehydrate efficiently without causing gastrointestinal distress.

Warm water and digestion

There are several reasons someone might opt for warm water, including its effect on relaxation and digestion. Studies have found that warmer liquids can accelerate gastric emptying, effectively waking up the gut.

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The benefits may be mental as well. Freirich points to research showing that hot black tea leads to lower levels of cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone — and greater subjective relaxation after stressful tasks.

The preference for warm water often stems from its effect on the rest and digestion. Studies have found that warmer liquids can accelerate gastric emptying, effectively waking up the gut. (iStock)

Medical triggers

Freirich warns that very cold water can cause difficulty for those with swallowing disorders, or can trigger migraines and “brain freeze” in people with sensitive nerves.

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Furthermore, those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find that ice-cold drinks trigger digestive discomfort.

Ultimately, the best temperature is the one that encourages people to drink, the dietitian said. The general recommendation for adults is to consume seven to eight glasses of water per day.

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“Most importantly, it is important for everyone to stay adequately hydrated,” Freirich said.

Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health.

Health

Alarming report reveals what’s driving deadly cancer surge in young adults

Published

1 day ago

March 6, 2026

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Alarming report reveals what’s driving deadly cancer surge in young adults

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On the lookout

→ Brain aging may accelerate after cancer treatment

→ Ozempic-style drugs could slash complication risks after heart attacks

→ Aging process could accelerate due to ‘forever chemicals’ exposure

Weight-loss drugs may prevent deadly heart complications by opening blocked blood vessels after heart attacks, groundbreaking new research reveals. (iStock)

Conversation starters

→ Do collagen supplements really improve skin? Major review reveals the truth

→ ChatGPT could miss your serious medical emergency, study suggests

→ Diabetes surge could be driven by ‘healthy’ breakfasts, doctor warns

Medical advances

→ Diabetes breakthrough approach could protect cells and prevent disease

→ Decades-old seizure drug could have potential for Alzheimer’s prevention

Stat of the week

More than 59% of women are predicted to have high blood pressure by 2050.

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This article was written by Fox News staff.

Health

176 Lbs—Gone! Why One Woman’s Gentle Weight-Loss Tips Really Work

Published

1 day ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

176 Lbs—Gone! Why One Woman’s Gentle Weight-Loss Tips Really Work

Cheri’s Gentle Weight-Loss Approach Helped Her Lose Big | Woman’s World

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