In bustling markets across Nigeria, the shelves are lined with perfumes, deodorants, and body sprays, their enticing scents a staple in daily grooming routines across the country’s warm climate. Yet, beneath their alluring fragrances, a growing concern looms: harmful chemicals that may pose serious health risks, including cancer. As Nigerians increasingly rely on these products, medical experts and public health advocates are raising alarms about the potential dangers, calling for stricter regulations and greater transparency to protect consumers. This report by Sultan Rabiu examines the fears, pointing out the hidden dangers in scents and the need for urgent actions if not public emergency regulations of the products to curb their threats.
A Toxic Mix: Unpacking the Chemicals in Everyday Scents
Perfumes, deodorants, and body sprays often contain chemicals like parabens, phthalates, aluminum, and triclosan, which are used to enhance scent longevity, preserve the product, or block sweat. These ingredients are frequently hidden under vague labels like “fragrance” or “parfum,” obscuring their presence from consumers. Parabens act as preservatives, phthalates prolong scents, aluminum reduces perspiration in antiperspirants, and triclosan serves as an antimicrobial agent. However, their widespread use has sparked significant health concerns.
In Kano, Professor Andrew Uloko, a Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital,
has been outspoken about the risks. In a recent PUNCH Healthwise interview he stated, “Perfumes, sprays, deodorants, and antiperspirants can contain endocrine disruptors that interfere with the body’s natural hormone production and regulation.” He specifically pointed to parabens, phthalates, aluminum, and triclosan, noting that these chemicals can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially leading to health issues such as menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges, and an increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer. Women, who often use these products more frequently, are particularly vulnerable.
The concerns are backed by scientific findings. A report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), titled “Not So Sexy: The Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance,” tested 17 popular fragrances and found an average of 14 undisclosed chemicals per product, including phthalates. These chemicals have been linked to reproductive harm and cancer in animal studies, though direct causation in humans remains under investigation. The lack of transparency in labeling exacerbates the issue, leaving consumers unaware of what they’re applying to their skin.
Expert Warnings: A Growing Health Concern
The medical community in Nigeria is increasingly alarmed about the long-term effects of these chemicals. Professor Dasetima Altraide, President of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, echoed Uloko’s concerns in a PUNCH Healthwise article “Certain perfumes and cosmetics have the potential to cause hormonal disruptions.” Altraide highlighted endocrine-disrupting chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and bisphenol A, which can interfere with the body’s hormonal systems, potentially contributing to chronic health problems, including cancer.
While the direct link to cancer in humans is still being studied, the potential risk is a pressing concern. Cumulative, long-term contact with substances like phthalates and aluminum may elevate cancer risk over time, a concern supported by a Lancet Oncology study that linked prolonged chemical exposures to increased cancer incidence.
The lack of awareness is a global issue. In markets across Egypt and Morocco, where long-lasting scents are highly valued, phthalates are prevalent, often undisclosed, according to a 2023 Middle East Health Magazine report published in June 2023. This opacity makes it nearly impossible for consumers to make informed choices, a problem that mirrors the situation in Nigeria.
Regulatory Shortfalls: Is NAFDAC Protecting Consumers?
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is responsible for ensuring the safety of cosmetics in Nigeria, including perfumes and deodorants. The agency requires all products to be registered, and consumers are encouraged to check for NAFDAC registration numbers, particularly in markets where counterfeit goods are common. However, enforcement remains a challenge. In the country’s roadside shops, unregulated deodorants containing triclosan a chemical banned in some countries like the EU for its health risks continue to circulate.
Labeling transparency is another critical gap. Unlike the European Union, where Regulation mandates allergen labeling and restricts certain chemicals like triclosan, Nigerian regulations under NAFDAC’s 2019 Cosmetic Products Labeling Guidelines do not require specific disclosure of fragrance ingredients. This means “fragrance” on a label can conceal dozens of chemicals, leaving consumers in the dark. Janet Nudelman, policy director for Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), highlighted this global issue in a Guardian article on: “No state, federal, or global authority even knows which fragrance chemicals appear in which products.” Her words remain relevant in Nigeria, where the lack of comprehensive regulation allows potentially harmful products to proliferate.
Professor Uloko addressed this in his interview with PUNCH Healthwise , calling for stronger action: “There should be policies to ban or limit the use of harmful substances. Regulatory bodies like NAFDAC and SON must step up.” He referenced NAFDAC’s past success in banning hydroquinone in skin-lightening creams in 2006 due to its carcinogenic potential, but added, “We hardly hear about regulatory actions anymore. There’s a lot of work still to be done.” Uloko warned, “If Nigeria becomes a dumping ground for unregulated cosmetic products, the future could see even more cases of cancers, infertility, diabetes, and other diseases.”
Toward Safer Choices: Emerging Trends and Expert Advice
Across Africa, there are glimmers of progress as awareness grows. In Rwanda and Ethiopia, beauty entrepreneurs are producing small-batch organic deodorants using natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and baking soda, free from harmful chemicals. A Radarr Africa article on May 26, 2025, titled “The Rise of Natural Beauty Products in East Africa,” documented this trend, noting that consumer demand for safer alternatives is driving innovation. While such products are not yet widely available in Nigeria, they signal a shift toward more conscious consumption.
Experts offer actionable advice for Nigerian consumers. Professor Uloko recommended, “Cut down on usage. Look for products labeled free of harmful chemicals. Prefer organic and natural alternatives.” He also emphasized the role of diet in mitigating risks, suggesting antioxidant-rich foods high in vitamin C and folate to help the body combat chemical exposure.
Call to Action: Safeguarding Nigeria’s Health
The potential health risks from chemicals in perfumes, deodorants, and body sprays demand urgent attention in Nigeria. While the link to cancer is still under investigation, the precautionary principle must guide the response. NAFDAC must strengthen its regulatory framework by mandating full ingredient disclosure and banning known endocrine disruptors like phthalates and triclosan. Regular market inspections and public awareness campaigns can empower consumers to make informed choices, while partnerships with local manufacturers can promote the production of affordable, natural alternatives.
Nigerians deserve to use personal care products without fear of hidden dangers. By demanding transparency, supporting safer options, and advocating for stricter regulations, consumers and policymakers can work together to protect public health. The time to act is now before the scent of danger claims more lives.
