Health Canada is advising Canadians that the use of over-the-counter acne products applied to the skin containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may cause rare but serious allergic reactions. Signs and symptoms of a serious allergic reaction called hypersensitivity reaction may include itchy hives with swelling of the face, eyes, lips, mouth or throat; difficulty breathing; throat tightness or hoarseness; and/or fainting. A type of hypersensitivity reaction called anaphylactic reaction can come on quickly and is potentially life-threatening.

Non-prescription acne products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are applied on the skin to help treat acne. Common side effects of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid that are included on the labels or package information of marketed Canadian products are localized skin irritation and dryness. Signs of irritation include redness, burning, peeling and mild swelling.

Health Canada has completed a safety review which includes Canadian and foreign cases of serious hypersensitivity reactions, and has concluded that there is evidence supporting a link between the use of over-the-counter topical acne products containing either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and more serious allergic reactions.