NIGERIA: Skin Bleaching Craze Puts Nigerians At Risk Of Cancer, NAFDAC Warns

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The growing obsession with skin-lightening in Nigeria may be turning deadly, as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a fresh warning about the dangers of using bleaching creams containing more than 2% hydroquinone.

The caution comes amid rising concerns over the unregulated use of cosmetic products across the country, many of which are either smuggled or locally mixed by untrained individuals.

NAFDAC’s Bauchi State Coordinator, Hamis Yahaya, in an interview with the media on Tuesday, stated that the black skin’s natural melanin provides protection against harmful radiation, and tampering with it through dangerous chemicals puts users at serious risk, including the possibility of developing cancer.

“Applying creams with hydroquinone contents more than two per cent is harmful. Mixing creams by non-experts is wrong. Hydroquinone affects the health of the users gradually, including causing cancer,” Yahaya said.

Hydroquinone, a chemical agent originally designed for treating specific skin conditions like melasma and age spots, is increasingly misused in beauty products marketed to women and young people seeking lighter skin tones.

While it is legally permitted in small concentrations, up to 2% — many products on the Nigerian market far exceed that limit. Worse still, many of them are not registered with NAFDAC, leaving consumers vulnerable to long-term health complications such as liver damage, kidney failure, and skin thinning, in addition to cancer.

Yahaya noted that NAFDAC routinely monitors cosmetic products in the market, but admitted the agency faces challenges due to the volume of unregulated products and the growing trend of “mixing” creams at home or by roadside vendors without professional knowledge.

Beyond enforcement, Yahaya called for increased media involvement in raising public awareness. “We urge the media to step up awareness campaigns to educate the public and reduce exposure to harmful cosmetic practices,” he said.

Despite decades of campaigns, skin-lightening continues to thrive in Nigeria, driven by social pressures, cultural beliefs, and a multi-billion-naira cosmetic industry. However, experts say the price many consumers pay for “fairer skin” may not be worth the risk.

With increasing reports of complications, authorities are now urging Nigerians to embrace their natural skin and avoid falling victim to a beauty trend that may ultimately claim lives.