NAFDAC Shuts Down Lagos Skincare Facility For Producing Unsafe “Organic” Whitening Products

Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory authority has shut down an unlicensed cosmetic production facility in Lagos for manufacturing skin-lightening products falsely marketed as “organic” and deemed unsafe for public consumption.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirmed that its enforcement team closed the premises of Shine Shine Skincare, located in the Agege district, following an inspection that revealed substandard production practices.

According to Guardian Nigeria, during the raid, investigators discovered a range of unregistered cosmetic items being produced, including Peeling White Scrub, Glass Scrub Wash, Antiaging Radiant Glow, 10X Customized Native Soap, 5D Instant Whitening Soap, Yellow Tone Whitening Body Cream, Exfoliation Soap, and Customized Body Cream. NAFDAC noted that these products were manufactured without regulatory approval and in violation of good manufacturing practice standards.

The agency reported that many of the products were deceptively labeled and contained ingredients linked to unsafe levels of banned substances, including corticosteroid-based bleaching agents. Such substances are prohibited in cosmetic formulations due to well-documented health risks, which may include skin thinning, delayed wound healing, and increased susceptibility to infections or injuries when used over time.

NAFDAC emphasized that the circulation of unregistered cosmetic products presents a serious public health concern. The agency urged consumers to verify the regulatory status of cosmetic and personal care products before purchase and to report suspicious items to its offices nationwide.

The regulator added that further investigations into Shine Shine Skincare are ongoing, with potential regulatory sanctions and legal actions to be taken against those responsible in accordance with Nigerian law governing the manufacture and sale of regulated products.