Top 5 Articles of the Week: March 16-21

Author(s):

Key Takeaways

Benzene contamination in benzoyl peroxide acne products led to FDA recall petitions by Valisure and a voluntary recall by L'Oréal.
COVID-19 pandemic posed increased risks for patients with DIMIDs, with vaccination and healthy lifestyle as protective factors.
Amlitelimab demonstrated durable efficacy and safety in treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in phase 2b studies.
The 2025 AAD Annual Meeting poster hall showcased significant dermatological research and emerging trends in the field.

Explore the top headlines of the week including insights on voluntary recalls, DIMIDs and pandemic risks, and AAD pearls.

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1. BREAKING NEWS: Benzene Found in Various Acne Products; Valisure Files Petition With FDA to Recall Treatments

Roughly 1 year ago, high levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene were found in various benzoyl peroxide (BPO) acne products from major brands, including Proactiv, Clinique, Clearasil, and more.

At the time, Valisure LLC, an independent testing laboratory, filed a petition with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), requesting a recall of treatments affected by elevated levels of the carcinogen in order to allow regulators to investigate.

2. Patients with DIMIDs and Pandemic Risks

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (DIMIDs), including atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, and vitiligo. The fear of morbidity, mortality, and vaccine hesitancy contributed to disruptions in their daily lives. Patients with immunodeficiency diseases, older individuals, males, and those of non-White ethnicity were at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Interestingly, vaccination, a healthy diet, and atopic conditions were considered protective factors against COVID-19. A recent prospective observational, multicenter, multidisciplinary cohort substudy explored the impact of COVID-19 disease and vaccination on DIMIDs, specifically AD, psoriasis, and vitiligo.

3. L'Oréal Issues Voluntary Recall of Benzoyl Peroxide Products Over Benzene Concerns

This month, L’Oréal announced it is recalling all lots of its acne treatment Effaclar Duo in the US due to concerns over benzene contamination. The product, sold under the La Roche-Posay brand, contains benzoyl peroxide (BPO).

Valisure, an independent testing laboratory, first reported benzene contamination in several BPO-containing acne products more than a year ago, urging the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take action.

4. Amlitelimab Demonstrates Durable Response in Atopic Dermatitis

At the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, Sanofi shared new insights into the effectiveness of amlitelimab, an investigational drug for atopic dermatitis (AD).

Data from the phase 2b STREAM-AD and RIVER-AD studies demonstrated promising findings for patients with moderate to severe AD, with results showcasing durable efficacy and a favorable safety profile.

Karl Yen, executive global project head for amlitelimab at Sanofi, spoke with Dermatology Times to share key insights from these studies, highlighting the potential of amlitelimab as a transformative treatment option for AD.

5. A Walk Through The AAD 2025 Poster Hall: The Must-See Research Shaping Dermatology

The poster hall at this year's Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting showcased a wealth of innovative research and findings from across the specialty.

In this roundup, we’ve compiled the key takeaways from the posters and abstracts presented, offering you an inside look at the latest trends and developments. Explore full Dermatology Times coverage of the meeting here.