Neutrogena recalls Light Therapy Acne Mask due to eye injury risk

Neutrogena is recalling its Light Therapy Acne Mask and Light Therapy Acne Mask Activator in the United States "out of an abundance of caution."

Credit: Neutrogena via Therapeutic Goods Administration

Credit: Neutrogena via Therapeutic Goods Administration

Neutrogena is recalling its Light Therapy Acne Mask and Light Therapy Acne Mask Activator in the United States "out of an abundance of caution."

Neutrogena is recalling its Light Therapy Acne Mask and Light Therapy Acne Mask Activator in the United States "out of an abundance of caution."

"You may have noticed that the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask and Activator are not available where you shop in the United States. That's because these products have been recalled from wholesalers and retail stores," the skincare, hair and cosmetics company said in a July 5 statement.

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"The Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask is safe for use by the general population when used once per day as directed," the statement continued. "Reports of visual effects associated with the use of the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask are rare, generally mild and transient. For a small subset of the population with certain underlying eye conditions, as well as for users taking medications which could enhance ocular photosensitivity, there is a theoretical risk of eye injury."

According to The New York Times, the recall was missed by most consumers and gained attention when the Australian Department of Health issued a consumer-level recall.

WWD reported that the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask launched in 2016 and was among the first light therapy options available on the mass market, selling for $39.99. It works with a mask and activator, which is sold separately and is designed to work in daily 10-minute intervals for 30 uses before being replaced. Another product, the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment, was released as a spot treatment. That product is not part of the recall and can still be purchased on the Neutrogena website.

The Times reported that a spokeswoman for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the agency was "aware of the recall" and looking into it.

Neutrogena said customers who experience any eye discomfort when using the mask should stop use and contact a healthcare professional. Consumers with questions and inquiries about a refund can contact the company's customer care line at 1-(800) 582-4048

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