The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning about a popular beauty product: the Dove Beauty Cream Bar soap (100 g) with batch number 81832M 08. Manufactured in Germany, this widely-used soap has been flagged for containing butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), a chemical banned in cosmetic products.
Public Alert No. 035/2024.
Alert on the recall of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap due to Butyphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA) content.#NafdacALERTShttps://t.co/hYXOLpguQ9— NAFDAC NIGERIA (@NafdacAgency) September 9, 2024
The presence of this substance has not only led to a ban in the European Union in March 2022 but also sparked serious concern among Nigerian regulators.
What’s the issue with this Dove soap?
The inclusion of BMHCA in this Dove soap poses significant health risks, such as reproductive toxicity and skin sensitisation. Studies indicate that exposure to this chemical could harm the reproductive system and may even affect fertility.
There is also evidence suggesting that BMHCA could cause developmental toxicity, potentially harming the health of an unborn child. This makes the ingredient particularly concerning for pregnant women or those planning to conceive.
BMHCA is also known to cause skin sensitisation, which can lead to allergic reactions or irritation when it comes into contact with the skin. Repeated exposure could increase the risk of developing contact dermatitis, a condition where the skin becomes red, inflamed, and itchy. The risks could be even higher for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.
This is why regulatory authorities across the EU have placed a strict ban on its sale, and NAFDAC is now following suit by alerting the Nigerian public to this dove soap.
How did this batch of Dove soap end up on Nigerian shelves?
You may be wondering why this product is on the shelves in Nigeria. Technically, it shouldn’t be. NAFDAC announced on their website that importing soaps, including the Dove Beauty Cream Bar soap, is prohibited in Nigeria under the country’s restricted, import prohibition list. Soaps and cosmetics are also listed as ineligible for foreign exchange for import purposes. And if that’s not enough to raise a red flag, this particular product isn’t even in the NAFDAC database!
What should you do if you have this soap?
NAFDAC urges everyone involved in the supply chain—importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers—to be extra vigilant. If you’ve got this product with the batch number on your shelves or in your stock, it’s time to cut your losses. Discontinue its use or sale immediately and submit any stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
NAFDAC’s alert is a reminder that staying informed and cautious is key to protecting our health and well-being. So, check your bathroom shelves and ensure you’re not putting yourself or your loved ones at risk with this recalled soap.
