NAFDAC Shuts Down Illegal Skincare Factory Producing Toxic “Organic” Bleaching Products

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed an illegal cosmetics manufacturing facility, Shine Shine Skincare, operating in the Agege area of Lagos State.

According to NAFDAC officials, the facility was operating in gross violation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), producing a variety of skin-whitening and anti-ageing cosmetics under unhygienic and unauthorised conditions.

Products found on-site included Peeling White Scrub, Glass Scrub Wash, Antiaging Radiant Glow, Customised Whitening Black Soap, 10X Customised Native Soap, 5D Instant Whitening Soap, Yellow Tone Whitening Body Cream, Exfoliation Soap, and Customised Body Cream, none of which had been registered or approved by the regulatory agency.

Preliminary investigations suggest the products may contain high levels of toxic or banned ingredients, including corticosteroid-based bleaching agents. These substances are known to cause severe health complications, such as skin thinning, delayed wound healing, and increased susceptibility to infections and injuries.

NAFDAC has issued a public health warning, urging Nigerians to be cautious when purchasing cosmetic products, particularly those marketed as organic or handmade, and to verify that such products are duly registered and approved.

“The public must remain vigilant,” the agency stated. “Using unregulated skincare products can result in long-term health damage. We are committed to ensuring only safe and quality-regulated products are available in the Nigerian market.”

Investigations are ongoing, while NAFDAC has assured that appropriate legal actions and sanctions will follow.