The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against using Caro White, an Ivorian skin-lightening beauty lotion.
In a public notification issued on May 13, NAFDAC stated that Caro White contains a high concentration of kojic acid, according to the European Union Rapid Alerts System. The agency announced the recall of Caro White Skin Lightening Beauty Lotion by the European Union (EU) Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products (RAPEX).
NAFDAC emphasized that the continued use of the lotion puts users at risk of endocrine disruption and warned commercial agents and consumers to avoid importing, selling, and distributing the product.
The notice reads: “The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation as it is said to contain a high concentration of kojic acid above the allowable maximum concentration of 1%, as concluded by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). High concentrations of kojic acid are associated with potential endocrine disrupting properties.
“Although the product is not in the NAFDAC database, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the above-mentioned product. The product’s authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked. Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of the product to the nearest NAFDAC office, via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng, or via the Med-safety application for download on Android and iOS stores.”
In July 2023, an analysis in five United Kingdom stores discovered that Caro White Intensive Care Lightening Beauty Cream, sold via eBay, posed a serious chemical risk to consumers. The cream was found to contain 422mg/kg (0.042% w/w) clobetasol propionate, a substance prohibited in cosmetic products.
The product comprised a cardboard box containing a tube of orange cream. The box was marked with the following details: Caro White, Lightening Beauty Cream, With carrot oil, 30ml, Dream Cosmetics, 23 BP 4757, Abidjan 23, CI. The tube also bore the same markings.