Anthonia Greg
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, has raised alarms over the escalating use of skin-lightening products among Nigerians and Africans at large. Despite the well-documented dangers, the minister noted, the use of these products—ranging from creams, soaps, and ointments to pills and injections—remains widespread across non-white populations globally.
Speaking at a high-level workshop in Gabon on eliminating skin-lightening cosmetics, Salako pointed out that the phenomenon is particularly rampant in Africa, with women being the primary users.
In his address, later shared with journalists in Abuja, the minister disclosed that Nigeria is drafting a National Policy on Cosmetics to establish a framework for ensuring the safety and quality of cosmetic products.
“It’s important to note that skin-lightening practices aren’t limited to women; men also engage in them and sometimes pressure women, overtly or subtly, to lighten their skin. Therefore, any awareness campaign must include both genders,” Salako emphasized.
He went on to explain that Nigeria’s reputation as the “world capital of skin bleaching” stems from a World Health Organization (WHO) report indicating that 77% of Nigerian women use skin-lightening products—the highest rate globally. This statistic reflects a deep-rooted societal preference for lighter skin tones.
“Skin-lightening products, often marketed as whiteners or brighteners, are used across all demographic groups—irrespective of age, education, or socioeconomic status,” he said.
Highlighting findings from various studies, Salako shared that skin-bleaching practices are alarmingly prevalent in Nigeria. According to a Federal Ministry of Health survey, 52% of cosmetic manufacturers in Nigeria incorporate skin-lightening agents in their formulations. Additionally, research by the Nigeria Opinion Institute reveals that 64% of Nigerians perceive skin bleaching as highly prevalent, with 97% identifying it as particularly common among women.
Among university students, studies reveal prevalence rates between 62.4% and 64.9%, with over 76% of respondents aware of the practice. Nearly 40% believe it enhances beauty and fashion appeal, while societal pressures and misconceptions about “toning” as a safer alternative further perpetuate the trend.
Salako warned that many skin-lightening products contain harmful substances, such as mercury, hydroquinone, steroids, and heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and cadmium. These pose severe health risks, including skin damage, organ toxicity, and even cancer.
“The widespread use of these hazardous products across Africa underscores the urgent need for public health campaigns, stronger regulations, and grassroots advocacy to tackle this issue,” he remarked.
To combat the problem, the Nigerian government has implemented measures to promote the use of safe cosmetics and curb the circulation of harmful products.
“Through its Cosmetics Safety Management Programme, the Federal Ministry of Health has initiated sensitization campaigns, training sessions, and advocacy efforts, particularly at the grassroots level. These efforts aim to address the root causes of skin-lightening practices and encourage healthier perceptions of beauty,” Salako stated.
He outlined key regulatory actions, including the Cosmetic Products (Prohibition of Bleaching Agents) Regulations 2019, which ban harmful substances like mercury and limit hydroquinone concentration to 2%. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) ensures that all cosmetic products sold in Nigeria are registered, tested, and certified to meet safety standards.
Additionally, unregistered and counterfeit products are seized and destroyed, while routine market surveillance and online monitoring help identify and remove hazardous items from circulation. Community outreach programs and media campaigns educate the public on the dangers of unsafe cosmetics and stress the importance of verifying product authenticity before purchase.
The minister also mentioned the introduction of the MedSafety app, which simplifies the reporting of adverse cosmetic reactions. Furthermore, a new guideline on cosmetic safety assessment is being developed to enhance regulatory oversight and align products with international safety standards.
Salako’s remarks underscore the need for a collective effort to address this growing public health concern while fostering a healthier and more inclusive attitude toward beauty standards in Nigeria and beyond.
