NAFDAC alerts Nigerians on circulation of unregistered skin lightening soap for children

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has raised alarm on the presence of unregistered ‘Fair Child Soap’ in Nigeria. 

In a statement released, the agency said a complaint was received regarding the unethical marketing and use of skin-lightening products among minors.

NAFDAC said that during a routine post-market surveillance, it discovered that an unregistered imported cosmetic product, “Fair Child Soap’’ is being sold in multiple retail outlets across Lagos. The soap is targeted at children and marketed with deceptive and misleading labelling.

‘’At a consultative meeting with the marketer (Lexmart Cosmetics Ltd), it was confirmed that the product was imported, with plans for local manufacturing. Due to this discovery, the company has been sanctioned and instructed to stop further distribution as the product is not authorised for distribution in Nigeria and does not fall under the scope of a validly registered product with NAFDAC.”the statement read

The agency says given the skin-lightening claims and the target demographic of children, there is a significant potential for serious health hazards, including skin damage or sensitivity, exposure to harmful or banned substances, and long-term dermatological effects.

‘’Fair Child soap is a skin-lightening product particularly for children.

Product Details:

Product Name: Fair Child Soap

Produced for & marketed by: Lexmart Cosmetics Ltd.”the statement added

The agency advised healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicion or sale of unregistered, substandard, and falsified products (medicines or medical devices) to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322 or send an email to [email protected].