Dove Products Under Fire as NAFDAC Warns Nigerians of Banned Ingredients Linked to Reproductive Harm

 

NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Harmful Dove Cosmetics Banned by European Union

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sounded a public warning about certain Dove-branded cosmetics recently blacklisted in the European Union over serious health concerns. Citing contamination with a prohibited substance, the agency emphasized the potential dangers these products pose to consumers in Nigeria.

A public notice, released as Alert No. 018/2025 and titled “Alert on the Ban of Dove Hand and Deodorant Soap due to Butylphenyl Methylpropional Contamination,” highlighted specific batches of Dove products that have been removed from store shelves in Brussels, Belgium. These include exfoliating hand soaps and deodorants marketed under the Dove brand, which are found to contain a compound known scientifically as 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde, or BMHCA.

NAFDAC warned that BMHCA is banned in cosmetics across the European Union due to its damaging effects on human health. This chemical has been linked to reproductive toxicity, possible harm to unborn children, and skin sensitization—a condition that triggers allergic reactions upon contact with certain substances.

Among the listed items are products manufactured in both Italy and the United Kingdom. Detailed information provided by NAFDAC identifies the compromised items as follows:

• Dove Exfoliating Hand Soap (100g) – Barcode: 8710447439227

• Dove Deo Go Fresh 50ml – Batch Number: 9212174

• Dove Invisible Dry 50ml – Batch Number: 9183646

• Dove Men + Care Silver Control Spray 150ml – Batch Number: 62867LD

Despite being available internationally, these products are not registered with NAFDAC and have no legal approval for sale within Nigeria. The agency further reiterated the country’s firm import prohibition on soaps, a policy rooted in existing trade regulations aimed at protecting local industries and safeguarding public health.

Beyond regulatory restrictions, the federal government also classifies soaps and cosmetics as ineligible for access to foreign exchange for import purposes. This dual-layered approach—banning both the import and financial support for such goods—underscores the country’s commitment to curbing unsafe and unnecessary inflows of consumer products.

Retailers and distributors were specifically advised to exercise heightened caution in monitoring their inventories. NAFDAC cautioned that any discovery of the listed Dove products should prompt immediate removal from store shelves, alongside prompt reporting to the agency. Members of the public in possession of these products have also been instructed to cease their use and surrender all remaining stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Although the affected products were banned in the EU due to new cosmetic safety regulations, NAFDAC's intervention serves as a preemptive shield for Nigerians, many of whom may remain unaware of the evolving international safety standards surrounding everyday consumer items.

Healthcare providers and consumers alike are encouraged to report any negative reactions or health concerns linked to cosmetic use through NAFDAC's designated reporting platforms. The agency emphasized that feedback from the public plays a critical role in enhancing national surveillance systems and ensuring that unsafe products are swiftly removed from circulation.

NAFDAC reassured the public of its ongoing vigilance in monitoring the cosmetics market. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to conducting regular inspections, market checks, and laboratory testing to protect the health and safety of all Nigerians.

This latest development serves as a crucial reminder of the global nature of product safety and the need for consumers to remain alert about the origins and ingredients of the personal care items they purchase. The warning also spotlights the importance of regulatory cooperation across borders, as harmful products restricted in one region may still find their way into other markets through unofficial channels.

As the health watchdog continues to scrutinize cosmetic products in Nigeria, NAFDAC called on consumers to be proactive, seek verified information, and avoid patronizing unregistered or suspicious goods.