The Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g), batch number 81832M 08, made in Germany, is under recall according to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The action is due to the presence of a harmful chemical impurity.
On its website, NAFDAC declared that the soap includes BMHCA, or butylphenyl methylpropional, better known as Lilial. The chemical in question is prohibited from usage in cosmetic products due to possible health hazards. It is commonly present in perfumes and has been linked to allergy reactions and reproductive damage due to skin sensitisation.
“The presence of Butylphenyl Methylpropional in the product violates the Cosmetic Products Regulation, as it poses serious health concerns. BMHCA is prohibited in cosmetic products due to its potential to cause reproductive harm and skin sensitisation. It has been banned in several countries, including across the EU,” the agency stated.
NAFDAC also observed that this Dove soap batch and other Dove products, like Derma Spa Goodness and Men Care, have been recalled or banned in multiple countries for the same reasons. These products are not listed in NAFDAC’s database, and the agency emphasised the prohibition on importing soaps into Nigeria.
“Importation of soaps is prohibited under the Nigerian import prohibition list, and these items are not available in the NAFDAC database. Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers must remain vigilant to prevent the importation and distribution of these banned products,” NAFDAC added.
Consumers who have already purchased the soap are advised to stop using it immediately and return any remaining stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. The agency also urged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse effects from using regulated products via NAFDAC’s E-reporting platforms or the Med-Safety app on Android and iOS.
In a related recall, it was discovered on July 7, 2023, that UK users faced serious health risks when using the Caro White Intensive Care Lightening Beauty Cream that was marketed on eBay. Despite not being mentioned on the package, the product examination confirmed the presence of hydroquinone, another forbidden chemical, and clobetasol propionate, a banned compound in cosmetic products, at 422 mg/kg (0.042% w/w).
The lack of proper labelling and safety markings raised additional safety concerns. Following these findings, eBay removed the listing, and consumers were advised to discontinue use immediately.
