Nigerians have been cautioned to stay away from fake and adulterated cosmetic products to prevent severe skin damage and other health risks.
The Dean, Faculty of Physical and Earth Sciences, University of Lagos, Prof. Olayinka Taiwo Asekun, gave the warning while delivering the keynote address at the Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (MCPD) Workshop themed “Testing for Cosmetic Safety and Efficacy: Balancing Consumer Demand, Public Health, and Regulatory Standards.”
Prof. Asekun noted that Africa’s beauty and personal care market is projected to hit $69.53 billion by 2025, stressing that the surge in demand has fueled the infiltration of counterfeit and substandard products.
She explained that fake products are deceptive imitations, while adulterated cosmetics contain harmful substances that can cause serious health hazards.
She also highlighted regulatory bottlenecks involving multiple agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, ARSO, and EAC, which complicate enforcement.
Speaking on local industry trends, Prof. Asekun emphasized the growing preference for African-made cosmetics designed for African skin, describing it as a positive shift encouraging local innovation and foreign investment.
However, she warned that many indigenous brands still struggle with quality control, allowing unapproved products to flood the market and endanger consumers.
In his remarks, IPAN Registrar, Mr. Abdullahi Angara, said the MCPD Workshop aims to strengthen the technical and ethical standards of public analysts, ensuring that cosmetic products in Nigeria meet global safety benchmarks.
He revealed that the workshop builds on the outcomes of the recent National Stakeholders’ Summit on the Analytical Laboratory Sector, which sought to improve Nigeria’s quality infrastructure and regulatory framework.
Similarly, the President, Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria (SoTLAN), Mr. Bolawa Gbolahan, described the workshop as timely and relevant, noting that the cosmetics industry is undergoing rapid innovation driven by consumer demand.
He urged regulators and analysts to remain vigilant to ensure only safe and effective products reach the Nigerian market.
Reporting by Sherifat Oyediran