In a recent development that has sparked concern among consumers and health professionals alike, Nigeria’s apex food and drug regulatory agency, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has issued a stern warning on the dangers posed by specific Dove-branded cosmetic products, which have come under scrutiny in Europe for containing a banned chemical compound linked to reproductive health complications.
According to a public notification released by NAFDAC, and tagged Alert No. 018/2025, the agency disclosed that the European Union has officially banned the marketing and sale of certain Dove products, including the Dove Exfoliating Hand Soap (100g) and various Dove deodorants, following a safety assessment by Belgian authorities. The alert, which was titled “Alert on the Ban of Dove Hand and Deodorant Soap due to Butylphenyl Methylpropional Contamination,” flagged the presence of a harmful chemical known scientifically as 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde, commonly referred to as BMHCA.
NAFDAC stressed that this chemical, BMHCA, is strictly prohibited in cosmetic products within the EU due to its association with serious health risks. The compound is believed to negatively impact reproductive health, with potential to cause harm to unborn children and also trigger skin sensitivity in users. In line with EU Cosmetic Products Regulation, any cosmetic item containing BMHCA is deemed unfit for use.
Detailed information provided by NAFDAC revealed that the affected Dove products include batches produced in Italy and the United Kingdom. Among the specific items listed are Dove Exfoliating Hand Soap with barcode 8710447439227, Dove Go Fresh Deodorant (50ml, batch number 9212174), Dove Invisible Dry Deodorant (50ml, batch number 9183646), and Dove Men+Care Silver Control Spray (150ml, batch number 62867LD). These items, the agency confirmed, are not listed in the NAFDAC product registration database.
The agency further reminded the public that the importation of soaps into Nigeria is banned under current import prohibition policies. In addition, cosmetic products like these are included in the list of goods that are not eligible for access to foreign exchange for importation purposes, a restriction put in place to encourage local production and safeguard consumer health.
NAFDAC therefore advised importers, distributors, and retailers across the country to be highly vigilant and ensure that none of the banned products find their way into Nigeria’s supply chain. It urged members of the public who may already have these items in their possession to immediately stop using or selling them and to submit remaining stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
The agency also called on healthcare providers and consumers to report any adverse reactions or side effects linked to the use of cosmetic products through NAFDAC’s designated pharmacovigilance platforms. These reports, NAFDAC noted, play a crucial role in protecting public health and strengthening its surveillance efforts.
Reaffirming its commitment to consumer safety, NAFDAC assured Nigerians that it will continue its rigorous inspection and monitoring of cosmetic and personal care products across the country. The agency emphasised that only products duly registered and cleared by NAFDAC should be patronised by the public, especially in a market often infiltrated by substandard or unapproved items.
This development serves as a fresh reminder for Nigerian consumers to be cautious and informed when purchasing skincare and personal hygiene products, particularly from informal or unregulated sources.
