NAFDAC raises alarm on Dove products over reproductive health risks

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a safety warning concerning certain Dove-branded personal care products that were recently barred from the European Union market due to potential health hazards.

In a public advisory published on its official website, NAFDAC stated that the European Union has prohibited the sale and distribution of Dove Exfoliating Hand Soap (100g) and specific Dove deodorant variants in Brussels, Belgium, following concerns over consumer safety.

Labeled Public Alert No. 018/2025 and titled “Alert on the Ban of Dove Hand and Deodorant Soap due to Butylphenyl Methylpropional Contamination,” the notice points to the presence of a chemical substance known as 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde, or BMHCA, which has been banned in cosmetic products across the EU.

According to NAFDAC, “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.”

The affected items, which were manufactured in Italy and the United Kingdom, include the following:
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)

NAFDAC also clarified that these products are not listed in its national database and reiterated that the importation of soaps into Nigeria is prohibited under existing government regulations.

“Importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list,” the agency noted.

It added that, “Beyond the import restrictions, soaps and cosmetics are part of the items ineligible for foreign exchange to import in Nigeria.”
The regulatory body urged those involved in the importation, distribution, and retail of cosmetics to remain cautious and ensure that the banned items do not make their way into Nigerian markets.

“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 agency advised.

NAFDAC also encouraged medical professionals and consumers to report any negative health reactions associated with these or other cosmetic items through its official reporting channels.

Reaffirming its role in safeguarding public health, the agency emphasized its commitment to ongoing surveillance of cosmetic products in the country to curtail the spread of harmful substances.