NAFDAC Warns Nigerians To Avoid Banned Dove Soaps, Deodorants
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against the importation, distribution, sale, and use of Dove Hand Soap and Dove Deodorant following a ban by European Union authorities.
The EU banned these products because they contain Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), a toxic chemical prohibited in cosmetics for its potential to harm the reproductive system, cause damage to unborn children, and trigger skin sensitisation.
NAFDAC stated on its official X handle that the importation of these soaps is forbidden in Nigeria, and they are not registered on the agency’s database.
The agency reminded the public that soaps and cosmetics are on Nigeria’s restricted and import prohibition list and are ineligible for foreign exchange to import.
In its Public Alert No. 018/2025, NAFDAC said, “NAFDAC is notifying the public that European Union Authorities have placed a ban on the marketing and sale of Dove Hand Soap (100g) and Dove Deodorant in Brussels, Belgium.
“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 sensitisation.
“The importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list. Beyond the import restrictions, soaps and cosmetics are part of the items ineligible for foreign exchange to import in Nigeria.
“These products are also not available on 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 are advised to discontinue sale or use and submit the stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to NAFDAC via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng or through the E-reporting platforms.”
The agency urged importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the banned products.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
