The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has warned Nigerians regarding potential health risks linked to certain Dove-branded cosmetic products recently banned by the European Union.
In a public alert, NAFDAC revealed that EU authorities have restricted the sale and marketing of Dove Exfoliating Hand Soap (100g) and Dove Deodorant in Brussels, Belgium, due to safety concerns.
The alert, identified as No. 018/2025 and titled “Alert on the Ban of Dove Hand and Deodorant Soap due to Butylphenyl Methylpropional Contamination,” was published on the agency’s official website.
NAFDAC stated that the affected products contain a banned substance known as 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde, or BMHCA, which is not permitted in cosmetic products under EU regulations.
“The products do not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation as they are said to contain 2-(4- tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA), which is prohibited in cosmetic products due to its risk of harming the reproductive system, causing harm to the health of an unborn child, and may cause skin sensitization,” NAFDAC warned.
NAFDAC provided a list of the affected products, which include items manufactured in Italy and the United Kingdom. The listed products are: Dove Exfoliating Hand Soap (barcode: 8710447439227), Dove Go Fresh Deodorant 50ml (batch number: 9212174), Dove Invisible Dry 50ml (batch number: 9183646), and Dove Men+Care Silver Control Spray 150ml (batch number: 62867LD).
The agency stated that these products are not registered in its database and reiterated that the importation of soaps into Nigeria is prohibited under the country’s import restriction policy.
“Importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list,” the agency said.
It added, “Beyond the import restrictions, soaps and cosmetics are part of the items ineligible for foreign exchange to import in Nigeria.”
NAFDAC further advised importers, distributors, and retailers to be vigilant and ensure the listed products are not found in the local supply chain.
“These products are also not available in the NAFDAC database. Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the above-mentioned products. Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue the sale or use and submit the stock to the nearest NAFDAC office,” it added.
NAFDAC, however, urged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse effects associated with the use of these or other cosmetic products through its official reporting channels.
The agency reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and pledged to maintain ongoing surveillance of cosmetic products in the Nigerian market to prevent the distribution of harmful items.
