The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urgently alerted Nigerians about the health dangers linked to certain Dove-branded cosmetic products recently banned by the European Union (EU). This warning follows the EU’s decision to restrict the marketing and sale of specific Dove hand soaps and deodorants in Brussels, Belgium, due to the presence of harmful chemical contaminants.

EU Ban Triggers NAFDAC Warning

In its Public Alert No. 018/2025, titled “Alert on the Ban of Dove Hand and Deodorant Soap due to Butylphenyl Methylpropional Contamination,” NAFDAC disclosed that the banned products contain a chemical known as 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde, or BMHCA. The EU strictly prohibits BMHCA in cosmetic products because it poses significant health risks.

NAFDAC clearly stated that BMHCA can damage the reproductive system, harm unborn children, and cause skin sensitization. Consequently, the EU enforced the ban to protect consumers from these severe health threats.

Details of the Affected Products

NAFDAC listed the specific Dove products involved, including their batch numbers, packaging sizes, and countries of manufacture. These products include:

• 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

These items, produced in Italy and the United Kingdom, have no registration record in NAFDAC’s database. This lack of registration confirms their unauthorized status in the Nigerian market.

Import Restrictions Reinforced

NAFDAC emphasized that Nigeria already prohibits the importation of soaps under its restricted and import prohibition lists. Additionally, soaps and cosmetics do not qualify for foreign exchange allocation for importation purposes.

These regulatory measures aim to prevent the entry and circulation of unauthorized and potentially harmful cosmetic products. NAFDAC called on importers, distributors, and retailers to be especially vigilant to ensure these banned products do not enter or move through local supply chains.

Consumer Safety and Reporting

To protect public health, NAFDAC urged consumers who possess the banned Dove products to immediately stop using or selling them. The agency requested that such products be submitted to the nearest NAFDAC office for proper disposal or investigation.

Moreover, NAFDAC encouraged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse reactions or health issues resulting from the use of these or other cosmetic products. This reporting is crucial for prompt regulatory response and public safety assurance.

NAFDAC’s Continued Commitment

The agency reiterated its commitment to public health by promising continuous monitoring of cosmetic products on the Nigerian market. NAFDAC will intensify surveillance to identify and remove harmful products swiftly, thereby ensuring consumer protection.

Through these efforts, NAFDAC aims to uphold high safety standards and prevent unsafe cosmetic products from threatening Nigerian consumers.

Global Context and Implications

This alert aligns Nigeria with international trends where cosmetic safety standards are increasingly strict. Regulatory bodies worldwide have been restricting harmful substances like BMHCA after scientific evidence linked them to reproductive harm and allergic reactions.

By conforming to these global safety measures, Nigeria demonstrates its dedication to protecting consumers from hazardous chemicals in personal care products.

Furthermore, the alert exposes ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s regulatory enforcement, including illegal imports and counterfeit cosmetics. These issues require robust law enforcement and cooperation across the supply chain to maintain product integrity and consumer safety.

Conclusion

The EU ban on certain Dove cosmetic products and the corresponding NAFDAC warning highlight critical health risks posed by contaminated personal care items. Nigerians must avoid unregistered or banned cosmetics, source products only from authorized distributors, and promptly report any side effects.

NAFDAC’s proactive regulation safeguards public health and strengthens consumer confidence in Nigeria’s beauty and personal care market. Ultimately, a collaborative effort between regulators, industry, and consumers remains essential to uphold safe cosmetic standards nationwide.