According to the alert, ingredients contained in the brown henna could cause allergic skin reactions, cancer, and possible fertility problems for women.

The statement by NAFDAC partly reads, “The product contains Toluene-2,5-Diamine, 5-Amino-o-cresol, p-aminophenol and p-phenylenediamine (PPD) (measured values: 0.2%, 0.8%, 4.1% and 2.7%, respectively) with an insufficient coupling agent.

“Toluene-2,5-Diamine, 5-Amino-o-cresol, and uncoupled p-aminopohenol and PPD are extreme skin sensitizers and can trigger allergic contact dermatitis.

“Furthermore, Toluene-2,5-Diamine may cause cancer, is mutagenic and might affect fertility”.

The Director-General implored importers, distributors, and retailers of cosmetic products to immediately discontinue the importation, distribution, sale, and use of Brown henna manufactured by India’s Royal Topline Exim Inc.

Adeyeye also warned members of the public already in possession of the recalled lots of the product to stop the sale or use and hand over stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

“NAFDAC encourages healthcare professionals, consumers, and patients to report adverse events related to the use of this product to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC PRASCOR (20543 TOLLS FREE from all networks) or via  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the NAFDAC ADR e-Reporting platform available at www.nafdac.gov.ng.”

Source: healthwise