The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning regarding the potential health risks associated with specific Dove soap and deodorant products currently in circulation, stating that they may pose serious dangers to reproductive health and fetal development.
In a statement released on Monday through its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, NAFDAC referenced Public Alert No. 018/2025, highlighting concerns raised by the European Union authorities, which have banned the marketing and sale of Dove Exfoliating Hand Soap (100g) and several Dove deodorants in Brussels, Belgium due to the presence of a prohibited ingredient.
Harmful Ingredient Identified
The banned ingredient, 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA), has been linked to reproductive toxicity, developmental harm to unborn children, and skin sensitization. According to NAFDAC, the presence of BMHCA violates the EU Cosmetic Products Regulation, which strictly prohibits its use in cosmetic formulations.
“These products pose potential risks to users, including damage to the reproductive system and possible harm to unborn children,” the agency warned.
Affected Products
NAFDAC listed four product variants, three manufactured in Italy and one in the United Kingdom. Although specific batch numbers were not publicly disclosed, these items are confirmed to be unregistered in Nigeria.
Soap Importation Ban in Nigeria
The agency reiterated that importation of soap is banned in Nigeria under the national import prohibition list. Furthermore, cosmetic and soap products are not eligible for foreign exchange, as part of measures to encourage local manufacturing.
Safety Advisory
NAFDAC has urged importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to avoid selling or using these unapproved Dove products. Anyone currently in possession of them should immediately stop usage and hand over the items to the nearest NAFDAC office.
In addition, healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse health effects through:
- Email: pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng
- Online: www.nafdac.gov.ng
- Mobile App: Med-safety App (available on Android and iOS)
Related Update: Juhel Folic Acid Batch Recalled
In a related development, NAFDAC has also announced the recall of one batch of Juhel Folic Acid 5mg x1000 tablets after it was found to be substandard. A February 2025 Post-Marketing Surveillance revealed the batch contained inadequate levels of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
The issue was traced back to a malfunctioning weight adjuster in the tablet manufacturing process, prompting the company, Juhel Pharma Ltd., to recall Lot Number 0531.
NAFDAC warns that using substandard drugs can lead to poisoning, treatment failure, drug resistance, and potentially fatal outcomes.
