Class II U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Owen Biosciences Inc. Slmd Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% recall: Chemical contamination: Presence of benzene

Recall published 6 months ago

Chemical contamination: Presence of benzene

The hazard: Harmful chemical exposure

The hazard here is chemical rather than mechanical, so the right response is to stop using the product and to ventilate or clean anywhere it has been applied.

What the notice says: Chemical contamination: Presence of benzene

Why it matters: A chemical that should not be present at this level was found in the product. Depending on the substance, the concern may be a burn or irritation on contact, or a long-term risk from repeated exposure.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

For a splash or spill, rinse the skin or eyes with running water for 15 to 20 minutes and remove contaminated clothing. If the product was swallowed, or if there is any trouble breathing, call Poison Control on 1-800-222-1222, which operates free and around the clock — or 911 if the person is collapsing, struggling to breathe or unconscious. Take the container or a photo of the label with you to any appointment.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, a clinician who can see you is the only person able to judge your case.

Recall details

Recall number
D-0455-2026
Published
April 22, 2026
Risk level
Class II
Status
Ongoing
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Owen Biosciences Inc.
Product type
Prescription & OTC drugs
Units affected
2,500 bottles
Distribution
Nationwide
Made in
United States
Lot / code info
Lot# 2691700, Exp.10/31/2027 Lot# 2691800, Exp. 11/4/2027

Products covered by this recall

SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%, a) 0.7 fl. oz - 21 mL and b) 1.5 fl. oz. - 44mL bottles, SANDRA LEE MD., Distributed by Skin PS Brands, Culver City, CA 90232.

Check your product

The notice names 17 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Lot or batch code

Usually ink-stamped near the seam, the cap or the bottom of the pack.

  • Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5
  • 2691700
  • Exp.10
  • 31
  • 2027 Lot# 2691800
  • Exp. 11
  • 2027 — 2
  • 500 bottles

Best-by / use-by date

Printed beside the lot code, not on the price sticker.

  • 10
  • 31
  • 2027 Lot# 2691800
  • Exp. 11
  • 2027

Package size

Match the net weight or the piece count on the front of the pack.

  • 0.7 fl. oz
  • 21 mL
  • 1.5 fl. oz
  • 44 mL

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Drug enforcement notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Chemical

Owen Biosciences Inc. — The hazard here is chemical rather than mechanical, so the right response is to stop using the product and to ventilate or clean anywhere it has been applied.

  1. Stop using the product and keep it away from children and pets.
  2. Do not pour it down a drain or into a bin without checking local hazardous-waste rules, and never mix it with another cleaner.
  3. Ventilate the room if the product was sprayed or applied there.
  4. Keep the container — the lot code on it is what a refund claim and any medical follow-up both depend on.

If the claim stalls

Most recall claims are paid without argument. The ones that stall usually stall for a reason you can fix.

  • Check you used the recall channel rather than ordinary customer support — the two queues rarely talk to each other.
  • Paid by card? A chargeback for goods that are unfit for sale is a legitimate fallback once the company has had a fair chance.
  • Send the photos they asked for in the format they asked for. A missing date code is the single commonest reason a claim sits unprocessed.
  • Give it ten working days, then chase in writing and quote your claim reference.

Company contact: Owen Biosciences Inc. — 7053 Revenue Dr, Baton Rouge, LA, 70809-4918

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Drug enforcement record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Owen Biosciences Inc. prescription & otc drugs recalled?

Chemical contamination: Presence of benzene Chemical contamination: Presence of benzene

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: lot code Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5, 2691700, Exp.10; best-by date 10 or 31. If the code on your package is not on that list, your unit is outside the recall.

What should I do with it right now?

Stop using the product and keep it away from children and pets.

Can I get my money back?

Check you used the recall channel rather than ordinary customer support — the two queues rarely talk to each other.

Where was the recalled product sold?

It was distributed nationwide.

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