NAFDAC Seals Lagos Skincare Company over Unsafe Bleaching Products

• NAFDAC has sealed Shine Shine Skincare in Agege, Lagos, after discovering unregistered bleaching products made under poor conditions
• The agency said the products, marketed as “organic,” contained dangerous substances that can cause severe skin and health complications
• Authorities have urged Nigerians to verify cosmetics before use, warning that the fight against illegal skin-whitening products will continue

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down Shine Shine Skincare, a cosmetic production facility in Agege, Lagos, for allegedly manufacturing harmful and unregistered bleaching products.

NAFDAC officials, during an enforcement operation, discovered that the company was producing several products under unsafe conditions.

The items were marketed to customers as “organic” despite failing to meet regulatory standards.

NAFDAC recovers hazardous substances

Products recovered from the facility included Peeling White Scrub, Glass Scrub Wash, Antiaging Radiant Glow, and Customised Whitening Black Soap.

Investigators also noted that the skincare line enjoys significant visibility on Instagram, where its founder, Devine Nikiruka Adebayo, has built an audience of over 100,000 followers.

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According to a statement posted on NAFDAC’s official X account, the seized products contained high levels of banned substances.

The agency disclosed that the formulations posed serious health risks, especially because they were promoted as safe alternatives.

“Investigations revealed that such deceptively formulated products often contain unsafe levels of banned substances, including corticosteroid-based bleaching agents, which can cause severe health risks such as skin thinning, delayed healing, and increased vulnerability to injury,” the statement noted.

NAFDAC gives reasons for actions

Officials said the shutdown was necessary to protect the public from exposure to harmful chemicals disguised as skincare treatments.

They explained that Shine Shine Skincare’s operations violated Good Manufacturing Practices, which are mandatory for any producer of cosmetics and consumable products in Nigeria.

The agency has repeatedly warned against the dangers of using bleaching creams and related formulations.

Medical experts have also linked the prolonged use of such substances to permanent skin damage, increased infection risks, and in extreme cases, systemic health complications.

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NAFDAC urged Nigerians to verify the registration status of cosmetic products before purchase and avoid products promoted primarily on social media without proper approvals. The regulator added that surveillance and enforcement will continue to ensure that unregistered products are withdrawn from circulation.

The development comes amid growing concerns over the rising popularity of skin-whitening creams and scrubs in the country. Many of these products are sold online with claims of fast results, attracting a large youth audience despite their potential health risks.

NAFDAC confirms nationwide ban

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the federal government first announced a ban on the sale of sachet alcohol drinks in 2018, with a five-year timeline for manufacturers to comply.

In 2024, NAFDAC announced the enforcement of a complete ban immediately, but the policy met with stiff resistance at different levels.

In recent developments, there have been rumours about a lifting of the ban, but NAFDAC has now spoken to clear up issues.

Source: Legit.ng