The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public health warning over the use of skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone levels exceeding the approved limit of two percent.
In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi, NAFDAC’s Bauchi State Coordinator, Hamis Yahaya, cautioned consumers about the long-term health risks associated with such products.
Hydroquinone is commonly used in cosmetics to treat hyperpigmentation conditions such as melasma and age spots. However, Yahaya emphasized that exceeding the regulatory threshold poses serious health threats.
According to him, prolonged use of creams with high concentrations of hydroquinone can lead to severe side effects, including an increased risk of cancer.
He also warned against the practice of mixing creams by unqualified individuals, which often results in dangerously high chemical levels.
Yahaya highlighted that melanin, which gives the skin its natural dark pigment, offers inherent protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation.
He stressed that tampering with the skin’s natural makeup through overuse of bleaching agents undermines this protection and exposes users to additional health hazards.
NAFDAC, he said, routinely conducts surveillance on cosmetic products in the market to ensure compliance with safety standards and protect public health.
He called on media organizations to support public enlightenment campaigns to discourage the use of harmful cosmetics and promote informed consumer choices.
