FG cautions against skin bleaching

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, has raised the alarm over the risks associated with skin bleaching and made a case for public reorientation to stop this harmful practice.

Dr Salako, speaking at a workshop in Libreville, Gabon, on January 22, 2025, noted the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) distinction of Nigeria as “the world capital of bleaching,” citing statistics showing that over 77 per cent of women in the country engage in the practice.

The minister stressed the health and cultural challenges associated with the practice, pointing out that the chemical components of these products, such as mercury, hydroquinone, and heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic, pose long-term health risks.

The minister noted that one of the reasons driving the use of bleaching creams is the belief that individuals with lighter skin are considered more beautiful.

“These ingredients can cause skin damage, organ toxicity, and even cancer,” he warned.

He further cautioned that mercury exposure is extremely dangerous, leading to renal and neurological damage, while hydroquinone can cause skin discolouration.

He said, “Despite the well-documented harmful effects of these products, skin bleaching remains prevalent in Nigeria and across Africa, driven by societal pressures linking lighter skin to beauty, success, and social mobility. This phenomenon is not just a health issue but a deeply rooted cultural challenge.”

The health expert stressed that the Federal Government is poised to tackle the issue through the Cosmetics Products Regulations 2019 (Prohibition of Bleaching Agents), which bans harmful cosmetic products, including bleaching creams, while also sensitizing the public against these dangerous products.

“Through the Cosmetics Safety Management Programme, we’ve carried out sensitisation campaigns, community outreach programmes, and market surveillance to educate the public and remove hazardous products from circulation,” he said.

He praised the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for ensuring that all cosmetic products sold in Nigeria meet safety standards through rigorous testing and certification.