The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to consumers against using bleaching creams containing hydroquinone levels above the approved limit, citing serious health risks.
Mr. Hamis Yahaya, NAFDAC’s Coordinator in Bauchi State, gave the warning during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.
Hydroquinone, commonly used to lighten dark skin patches like melasma and age spots, is only safe in cosmetic products at concentrations not exceeding two per cent, Yahaya explained.
He emphasized that NAFDAC regularly monitors products in the market to protect public health.
“Dark skin contains melanin, which offers natural protection against harmful radiation,” he noted. “Using creams with more than 2% hydroquinone is dangerous. Also, creams should not be mixed by unqualified individuals.”
He further warned that long-term use of such creams could lead to serious health issues, including cancer.
Yahaya urged the media to help raise public awareness and discourage the use of harmful cosmetic products.
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