Counterfeit Products again...?

I remember when I first started OneHealth with my physical pharmacy, which still exists , with the help of my mother and cousin, we would go to a well-known trade fair/market to buy in bulk and get "good deals." Only after we got back to base and tried to use one of the products did we realize that it had the wrong texture, smell, and look. After opening it, we confirmed it was indeed counterfeit. I remember having to throw out over 2 million naira worth of product—this was back in 2019 when the naira was still reasonable. My solace was that no one used it, at least, but who knows...

Now again there was an announcement from NAFDAC regarding the recall of certain beauty products, including the Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap—a brand many of us know and trust. As I read through the details, I found myself reflecting on the alarming rise of counterfeit and harmful products in our markets. It wasn’t just the recall that caught my attention, but the reason behind it. These products were found to contain Butyphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), a synthetic fragrance linked to serious health risks like reproductive toxicity and skin allergies.

It got me thinking—how many of us unknowingly use products every day that could be putting our health at risk? As someone deeply immersed in healthcare, this hits close to home. But more than that, as a mother, it strikes at the core of my concerns for the safety of my family and community. When we apply something as simple as soap or lotion, we rarely think of the potential dangers lurking within. Yet, the presence of harmful substances in such everyday products is a sobering reminder that the health risks extend far beyond what meets the eye.

Counterfeit goods have long been a problem globally, but the rise of fake beauty and healthcare products adds a new layer of concern. We’re not just talking about knockoff handbags or clothes here—this is about products we apply to our skin or ingest into our bodies. The risks are real, and they’re personal. When counterfeit beauty products contain harmful ingredients like BMHCA or when substandard materials are used, it's not just about getting duped into buying a fake product—it’s about exposing ourselves, and by extension, our loved ones, to long-term health consequences.

What can we do to protect ourselves and our loved ones? First, it’s about making smarter choices. Always purchase beauty and health products from reputable sources. That "bargain" you find in an unregulated market might come at the cost of your health. In today’s world of online shopping, it’s tempting to grab the cheapest deal, but we need to verify sellers and ensure the products are genuine.

Second, let’s stay informed. Agencies like NAFDAC regularly publish alerts about unsafe products. Keeping up with these updates empowers us to make better decisions about what we bring into our homes.

And third, we should champion companies that prioritize transparency in their ingredients and sourcing. When we support brands that value safety and authenticity, we help set higher standards across the industry.

Product safety isn’t just a business priority—it’s a matter of public health. Counterfeit and harmful products erode the trust between consumers and the healthcare system. Whether it’s sourcing medical supplies or wellness products, the well-being of our customers comes first.

But this goes beyond business—it’s about protecting lives. Unsafe products can damage the very trust we place in brands, and worse, they can put our health at serious risk. That’s why we need stronger regulations, stricter enforcement, and ongoing education to keep ourselves and our communities safe.

The recent recall of Dove’s Beauty Cream Bar Soap isn’t just a one-off event. It’s part of a broader conversation about the safety of the products we use daily and the responsibility we have to remain informed and vigilant. Let’s demand transparency, choose authenticity over convenience, and prioritize the safety of the products we bring into our homes.

In a world where so much feels out of our control, let’s take ownership of what we can—our health, our families, and the products we trust to keep us safe.