The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians about the health risks associated with some Dove-branded cosmetic products recently banned by the European Union.
NAFDAC, in a public alert on the ban, disclosed that EU authorities placed a restriction on the marketing and sale of Dove Exfoliating Hand Soap (100g) and Dove Deodorant in Brussels, Belgium, citing safety concerns.
The Public Alert numbered No. 018/2025 and titled “Alert on the Ban of Dove Hand and Deodorant Soap due to Butylphenyl Methylpropional Contamination” was made available on the agency’s website.
According to NAFDAC, the affected products contain a substance called 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde, also known as BMHCA, which is prohibited in cosmetic products within the EU.
“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 possibly causing skin sensitization,” NAFDAC warned.
NAFDAC listed the affected products and their details, which include items produced in Italy and the United Kingdom. The items include Dove Exfoliating Hand Soap (barcode 8710447439227), Dove Deo Go Fresh 50ml (batch number 9212174), Dove Invisible Dry 50ml (batch number 9183646), and Dove Men + Care Silver Control Spray 150ml (batch number 62867LD).
The agency noted that the identified products are not registered in its database and emphasized that importation of soaps into Nigeria is already prohibited under the country’s import restriction policies.
“Importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list,” the agency said.
It added, “Beyond the import restrictions, soaps and cosmetics are part of the items ineligible for foreign exchange to import in Nigeria.”
NAFDAC further advised importers, distributors, and retailers to be vigilant and ensure the listed products are not found in the local 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,” it added.
NAFDAC, however, encouraged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse effects linked to the use of these or other cosmetic products through the agency’s reporting platforms.
