EU Bans Dove Hand Soap and Deodorant; NAFDAC Issues Public Alert

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued Public Alert No. 018/2025 following a ban by European Union (EU) authorities on the marketing and sale of Dove Hand Soap (100g) and Dove Deodorant in Brussels, Belgium.

The ban stems from the presence of 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde, also known as Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA) a chemical that has been classified as harmful to reproductive health, potentially dangerous to unborn children, and capable of causing skin sensitization.

Under the EU’s Cosmetic Products Regulation, the substance is prohibited in cosmetic formulations.

NAFDAC has emphasized that the importation of soaps is already prohibited in Nigeria under the import prohibition list, and that such products are ineligible for foreign exchange access for import purposes.

Furthermore, the implicated Dove products are not listed in NAFDAC’s database, indicating they have not been authorized for importation or sale in Nigeria.

The agency is urging importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise heightened caution and vigilance. Members of the public in possession of the banned products are advised to immediately discontinue use or sale and submit any remaining stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report any adverse reactions linked to these or other regulated products through NAFDAC’s pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, the official website, or the Med Safety App available on Android and iOS platforms.