A public alert issued on Monday by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) warns that Dove Hand Soap (100g) and Dove Deodorant products may pose serious risks to users’ reproductive health and, ultimately, to unborn children.
The warning follows a ban on these specific products by the European Union (EU), as referenced in Public Alert No. 018/2025.
NAFDAC highlighted four variants of the affected products—three manufactured in Italy and one in the United Kingdom:
The following are the serial number, product name, batch number, barcode number and country of production:
1. Dove Exfoliating Hand Soap – 8710447439227 Italy
2. Dove Deo Go Fresh (50ml) 9212174 96137130 Italy
3. Dove Invisible Dry (50ml) 9183646 96022313 Italy
4. Dove Men + Care Silver Control Spray (150ml) 62867LD 8712561255820 United Kingdom
Details about the products.
According to NAFDAC, the products fail to comply with Cosmetic Products Regulation due to the presence of 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde (BMHCA)—a substance banned in cosmetic products. The chemical is associated with risks to the reproductive system, harm to fetal development, and potential skin sensitization.
The agency reaffirmed that these products are not registered in its database and reiterated that importation of soaps into Nigeria is prohibited under its restricted and import prohibition list. Additionally, such products are ineligible for access to foreign exchange for importation purposes.
“These products are not available in the NAFDAC database. Importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the above-mentioned products,” the agency stated.
“Members of the public in possession of the products should discontinue use immediately and submit any stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.”
