Dove Cosmetic Products Can Harm Your Reproductive System, Unborn Babies– NAFDAC Warns Nigerian Users
Dove Cosmetic Products Can Harm Your Reproductive System, Unborn Babies– NAFDAC Warns Nigerian Users
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning over the health risks associated with certain Dove-branded cosmetic products recently banned by the European Union.
According to the agency, the affected items– including soaps and deodorants–contain 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA), a substance prohibited in cosmetic products within the EU due to its potential to harm reproductive health and unborn children.
“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 in Public Alert No. 018/2025.
The banned products, which include Dove Exfoliating Hand Soap (100g) and several variants of Dove Deodorant, were identified in Brussels, Belgium.
NAFDAC listed key details of the affected items, including: Dove Exfoliating Hand Soap (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)
The agency noted that these products, manufactured in Italy and the UK, are not registered in NAFDAC’s database.
“Importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list,” the agency stated, further noting that cosmetics are also ineligible for foreign exchange allocation in the country.
NAFDAC has urged importers, distributors, and retailers to ensure these unregistered products are not found in Nigeria’s 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,” the statement added.
The agency also encouraged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse reactions through its MedSafety App or the E-reporting platforms.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and said it will continue market surveillance to eliminate harmful cosmetics from circulation in Nigeria.
