La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (5.5% Benzoyl Peroxide)
Summary
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo scores 1/100 — the lowest of any product in this batch — because Valisure's March 2024 stability testing detected Benzene at >150 ppm, roughly 75x the FDA's 2 ppm limit and the most extreme contamination level of any benzoyl peroxide product Valisure tested. Benzene is a Group 1 known human carcinogen (IARC) with no safe exposure level, generated when the 5.5% benzoyl peroxide active degrades. Following the report, Valisure formally petitioned the FDA to recall the product. No other ingredient in this leave-on facial cream can offset a 75x carcinogen exceedance.
At a glance
Contaminants 1
Source: Valisure
Benzene >150 ppm High
Detected at a high level — at or above health-based exposure limits. Regular exposure at this level is a genuine health concern. Benzene is classified by IARC as a Group 1 known human carcinogen with no safe exposure level; it is causally linked to leukemia and other blood cancers.
Valisure's March 2024 stability testing detected Benzene at greater than 150 parts per million in this product — roughly 75 times the FDA's 2 ppm restriction for any drug product, and the most extreme contamination level of any benzoyl peroxide product Valisure tested. Following the report, Valisure formally petitioned the FDA to recall this product.
Key ingredients 4
Benzoyl Peroxide 5.5%Very Bad
Benzoyl Peroxide at 5.5 percent is the active acne-fighting ingredient. Unlike the rinse-off CeraVe products, this is a leave-on facial cream — meaning the benzene contamination has prolonged contact with skin. BPO spontaneously decomposes into benzene, particularly at warmer temperatures, and Effaclar Duo produced the highest documented benzene levels in Valisure's testing.
See more about Benzoyl Peroxide 5.5% →Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA)Neutral
Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA) is a salicylic acid derivative used for gentle exfoliation. While generally well tolerated, its benefits are completely overshadowed by the carcinogen contamination in this leave-on formula.
See more about Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) →Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)Good
Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable form of Vitamin E that provides antioxidant protection. A beneficial ingredient that cannot offset confirmed carcinogen contamination at 75x the FDA limit.
See more about Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) →GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a well-tolerated humectant that helps maintain skin hydration. A beneficial ingredient overshadowed by the carcinogen contamination.
See more about Glycerin →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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