7 Skincare Products Banned by NAFDAC You Must Avoid

NAFDAC has flagged and recalled several popular skincare products over the past two years due to unsafe ingredients, including fragrances that harm reproductive health, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors. In this article, I’ll highlight seven products you should avoid, why they were banned, and their potential health risks. I will also recommend healthier alternatives that nourish rather than compromise your skin’s health. Read Also: 7 Nigerian Beauty Products That Deserve More Hype in 2025. Why NAFDAC Bans Harmful Skincare Products? NAFDAC’s mandate is to protect public health by ensuring regulated products meet safety standards. Cosmetic products can be recalled or banned if they:It contains prohibited chemicals like butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA), which can impair reproduction and irritate the skin.Exceed safe concentrations of active agents such as kojic acid, which are linked to endocrine disruption.Include heavy metals (e.g., mercury) that accumulate in the body, damaging the kidneys and nervous system, and harming unborn children.Use potent actives without supervision, like hydroquinone or steroids, which cause thinning skin, pigmentation changes, and systemic toxicity. 7 Banned Products to Avoid 1. Nivea BLACK & WHITE Invisible Roll‑On Deodorant  NAFDAC recalled the Nivea Black & White Invisible Roll-on Deodorant due to BMHCA, a fragrance allergen banned in cosmetics because it can disrupt reproductive function, harm foetal development, and cause skin irritation and burns. According to NAFDAC’s recent investigation, the Black and White Nivea Roll-on deodorant manufactured in Nigeria contains no non-compliant ingredient (BMHCA). Healthy Deodorant Alternative You Can Try: Wild Natural Deodorant Fresh Cotton & Sea Salt Wild Natural Deodorant Fresh Cotton & Sea Salt combines tapioca starch to absorb moisture, baking soda and zinc ricinoleate to neutralise odour, and magnesium hydroxide to inhibit bacteria. It also moisturises with coconut oil, cocoa seed butter, shea butter, and sunflower seed wax for 24‑hour freshness without irritation. Apply two swipes on clean, dry skin and wait a while for it to absorb before dressing. Formulated free of parabens, aluminium, and animal‑derived ingredients, it’s safe for all skin types aged 12 and up.Price: ₦19,208.51. Where to Buy: Shop Care to Beauty Read Also: Best Long-Lasting Stick Deodorants For Men Under ₦10,000 2. Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap Dove Beauty Bar Soap was recalled after EU authorities detected Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA) in this bar soap, violating cosmetic regulations. BMHCA exposure increases the risk of reproductive toxicity and skin sensitisation and may harm an unborn child. 3. Dex Luxury Bar Soap (No. 6 Mystic Flower) NAFDAC imposed a ban on this Turkish-made soap after it was found to contain BMHCA, with the same reproductive and dermatological hazards as above. Gentle Cleansing Soaps You Can Try: Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar Hypoallergenic and soap‑free, Cetaphil’s bar uses mild surfactants and glycerin to cleanse without stripping lipids or harming sensitive skin. Dermatologist‑recommended, it preserves the skin barrier and never contains harsh allergens.Price: ₦4,500. Where to Buy: Shop Mama Tega 4. Caro White Skin Lightening Beauty Lotion Caro White Skin Lightening Beauty Lotion was recalled for containing kojic acid above the EU’s 1% limit. High concentrations of kojic acid carry endocrine‑disrupting potential and can irritate sensitive skin. 5. Dona White Extra Whitening Lotion Photo Credit: Adeyefa Peters.  Healthy Skin Brightening Serum: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 6. Sheesha Beauty Cream Nourishing Moisturiser: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion