However, these notices go largely without consequence because the United States, U.S, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require the products to be pre-approved before they are released to consumers.
The findings note that: “It’s harder for the FDA to get harmful cosmetics off the shelves. This is really a wakeup call. “The point of the paper is to broaden the awareness of this database and the need for everyone to participate in reporting adverse events from cosmetics.”
In Nigeria, just as in most African countries, beauty products consumed are usually those imported from the United States. The recent development, according to observers in Nigeria, may pose serious health implications for users of these products who may not be aware that they are not approved in the U.S.
The study found the largest number of complaints came from hair care products, skincare products or tattoos.
Dr. Xu is most concerned with the way cosmetic companies are marketing their products, claiming to have ‘drug-like’ results but skirt around FDA approvals by labeling the product as a cosmetic.
He added: “Although not explicitly studied, this cosmetic product class is becoming a growing problem.
At the very best, these products are making unsubstantiated marketing claims for products that may or may not work
