The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned people in Nigeria not to use Caro White, a skin-lightening lotion from Ivory Coast.
On May 13, NAFDAC issued a public notice saying that Caro White has a high amount of kojic acid, which can be harmful.
The European Union Rapid Alerts System found that this lotion does not meet safety standards.
To this effect, NAFDAC has informed the public that the European Union (EU) has recalled Caro White Skin Lightening Lotion.
The lotion can cause endocrine problems if used regularly. NAFDAC has advised people not to import, sell, or use this product.
The notice from NAFDAC read, “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.”
The agency also mentioned that Caro White is not in their database. They urged importers, sellers, and consumers to be careful and check the product’s authenticity.
People who have this lotion should stop using it and take it to the nearest NAFDAC office.
NAFDAC has also asked healthcare workers and consumers to report any problems with the lotion. Reports can be made at NAFDAC offices, through email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, on their website www.nafdac.gov.ng, or via the Med-safety app available on Android and iOS.
Beyond Boders recalls that in July 2023, tests in the United Kingdom found that Caro White Intensive Care Lightening Beauty Cream sold on eBay had a harmful chemical, clobetasol propionate.
This chemical is not allowed in cosmetic products. The cream was in an orange tube and the box was labeled “Caro White, Lightening Beauty Cream, With carrot oil, 30ml, Dream Cosmetics, 23 BP4757, Abidjan 23, CI.”
