Health experts and skincare professionals have called for stricter regulation of fake and harmful skincare products circulating in Nigerian markets, warning that the increasing use of unsafe cosmetic items poses serious health risks to consumers.
The experts made the call amid growing concerns over the widespread availability of unregistered creams, soaps, oils and bleaching products sold in open markets and on social media platforms.
They said many of the products contained dangerous chemicals capable of causing severe skin damage, infections and other long-term health complications.
A consultant dermatologist, Dr.
Amina Yusuf, told sources that the misuse of harmful skincare products had become a major public health concern.
According to her, some manufacturers and distributors prioritise profit over consumer safety by producing counterfeit or substandard cosmetics.
“Many users are unaware of the dangers associated with certain skincare products because they are attracted by quick results and misleading advertisements.
“Some products contain excessive hydroquinone, mercury and steroids, which can damage the skin and even affect internal organs when used for a long period,” she said.
Yusuf explained that prolonged use of harsh bleaching creams could lead to skin thinning, discoloration, chronic irritation and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
She urged consumers to seek professional advice before using strong cosmetic treatments.
Similarly, a pharmacist, Mr. Chinedu Okafor, stressed the need for improved monitoring of cosmetic imports and local production processes.
He said stronger enforcement by regulatory agencies would help reduce the circulation of unsafe products in the market.
“There should be regular inspections and strict penalties for manufacturers and sellers of fake skincare products.
“Public awareness campaigns are also important to educate consumers about the risks involved,” he said.
Market surveys conducted by source in Abuja and parts of Lagos revealed that some traders openly sell unlabelled creams and chemical mixtures without proper certification or usage instructions.
Some consumers interviewed said they purchased products mainly based on social media promotions and recommendations from online influencers.
A resident of Abuja, Miss Fatima Bello, said many young people were pressured by unrealistic beauty standards promoted online.
“People want lighter or flawless skin very quickly, so they end up buying products without checking if they are safe,” she said.
Meanwhile, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has continued to warn against the use of unregistered cosmetic products.
Health stakeholders said increased collaboration among government agencies, healthcare professionals and consumer protection groups would strengthen efforts to combat counterfeit skincare products.
They also called for more investment in local dermatological research and quality cosmetic manufacturing to encourage safer alternatives.
Experts further advised Nigerians to maintain healthy skincare practices through proper hygiene, balanced diets, hydration and regular medical consultation when dealing with persistent skin conditions.
According to them, sustainable skincare should focus on skin health rather than unhealthy beauty trends.
They emphasised that protecting consumers from harmful products would not only improve public health outcomes but also strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s growing beauty and cosmetics industry.
