The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning against the use of Caro White, a skin-lightening beauty lotion from Ivory Coast.
In a notification dated May 13, NAFDAC highlighted that the lotion contains a dangerously high concentration of kojic acid, as reported by the European Union Rapid Alerts System for Dangerous Non-Food Products (RAPEX).
NAFDAC emphasized the recall of Caro White by the EU due to non-compliance with the Cosmetic Products Regulation, which limits kojic acid concentration to a maximum of 1%.
The lotion’s high kojic acid content poses a risk of endocrine disruption, prompting the agency to advise against its use, importation, sale, and distribution.
The public notice from NAFDAC reads: “The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation as it is said to contain high concentration of Kojic Acid above allowable maximum concentration of 1% as concluded by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). High concentration of Kojic Acid is associated with potential endocrine disrupting properties.”
NAFDAC has urged importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution, ensuring the authenticity and safety of cosmetic products. The agency advises anyone in possession of Caro White to stop using it and submit any stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. Adverse reactions should be reported to NAFDAC via their pharmacovigilance email, E-reporting platforms on their website, or the Med-Safety app available on Android and iOS.
This warning follows a July 2023 incident in the UK where Caro White Intensive Care Lightening Beauty Cream sold on eBay was found to contain 422mg/kg (0.042% w/w) of clobetasol propionate, a prohibited substance in cosmetic products. This cream, packaged in a box marked with details including “Caro White, Lightening Beauty Cream, With carrot oil, 30ml, Dream Cosmetics, 23 BP 4757, Abidjan 23, CI,” posed a significant chemical risk to consumers.
NAFDAC’s alert aims to protect public health by preventing the harmful effects of unsafe cosmetic products.
