The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned users of bleaching creams to avoid products containing excess hydroquinone in order to protect their health.
NAFDAC Bauchi State Coordinator, Mr. Hamis Yahaya gave the advice in an interview in Bauchi on Tuesday.
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent commonly used to treat hyperpigmentation conditions such as melasma and age spots.
Yahaya stated that the approved concentration of hydroquinone in cosmetics is only two percent.
He explained that NAFDAC regularly inspects market products to ensure public safety.
“The black colour provides natural protection against harmful radiation due to melanin content,” he said.
“Using creams with hydroquinone concentrations above two percent is harmful. Additionally, mixing creams by non-experts is dangerous.
“Hydroquinone can gradually harm users’ health and has been linked to cancer,” he warned.
Yahaya urged the media to raise public awareness to help reduce the use of harmful cosmetic products that endanger consumers’ lives.
