NAFDAC Issues Warning Against Caro White Lotion Over Health Risks

The Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning against the use of Caro White, an Ivorian skin-lightening lotion. According to NAFDAC’s notification on May 13, the product has been found to contain a dangerously high concentration of kojic acid, as reported by the European Union Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products (RAPEX).

NAFDAC highlighted that the elevated levels of kojic acid, exceeding the EU’s maximum allowable concentration of 1%, pose a significant risk of endocrine disruption. The agency has urged consumers and commercial agents to exercise caution, advising against the importation, sale, and use of Caro White lotion.

The notification states: “The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation due to its high concentration of kojic acid, which the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has linked to potential endocrine-disrupting properties.”

NAFDAC’s statement further advises, “Although the product is not listed in NAFDAC’s database, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers should avoid this product. The authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked, and any possession of the product should be discontinued. Stocks should be submitted to the nearest NAFDAC office.”

The agency also encourages healthcare professionals and consumers to report any adverse reactions to NAFDAC via their official channels, including email (pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng), the NAFDAC website, or the Med-Safety mobile application available on Android and iOS.

This alert follows an earlier incident in July 2023 when the UK identified Caro White Intensive Care Lightening Beauty Cream, sold on eBay, as a serious chemical risk. The product was found to contain 0.042% clobetasol propionate, a prohibited substance in cosmetics. The product’s packaging included a tube of orange cream marked with details such as “Caro white, Lightening Beauty Cream, With carrot oil, 30ml, Dream Cosmetics, 23 BP 4757, Abidjan 23, CI.”