The trend gained attention after a video showing Lagos spa owner Divine Adedayo swallowing about 22 tablets and capsules circulated widely on social media. The footage sparked debate over the safety of products marketed for skin lightening.
Medical experts warned that taking multiple supplements without professional guidance can expose users to excessive doses of overlapping ingredients, potentially causing gastrointestinal problems and damage to vital organs, including the liver and kidneys.
Pharmacists also cautioned that products marketed as beauty supplements are not automatically safe or effective. Their ingredients, dosage and quality matter, particularly when products are poorly labelled, counterfeit or obtained from unregulated sources.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has previously reported sealing eight cosmetics shops in Abuja over banned, expired and unregistered products. Items seized were valued at more than ₦170m, and the agency warned that some products were associated with serious health risks.
Beyond the medical dangers, experts say social media marketing and societal preferences for lighter complexions help sustain the demand. Psychologists have linked the pressure to colourism and unrealistic beauty standards.
Health professionals advise consumers to avoid excessive supplement use, check products carefully and seek qualified medical advice. They stress that healthy skin depends on appropriate care and nutrition, not taking large quantities of pills or using unverified whitening treatments.
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Summary
Health experts warn that Nigerians seeking lighter skin through whitening supplements, creams and vitamin infusions may expose themselves to serious risks, including liver and kidney damage. Nigerians seeking lighter skin are increasingly turning to whitening supplements, creams and vitamin infusions, raising concerns among health professionals about the potential consequences of these practices.The trend gained attention after a video...
Key takeaways
- Health experts warn that Nigerians seeking lighter skin through whitening supplements, creams and vitamin infusions may expose themselves to serious risks, including liver and kidney damage.
- Nigerians seeking lighter skin are increasingly turning to whitening supplements, creams and vitamin infusions, raising concerns among health professionals about the potential consequences of these practices.The trend gained attention after a video showing Lagos spa owner Divine Adedayo swallowing about 22 tablets and capsules circulated widely on social media.
- The footage sparked debate over the safety of products marketed for skin lightening.Medical experts warned that taking multiple supplements without professional guidance can expose users to excessive doses of overlapping ingredients, potentially causing gastrointestinal problems and damage to vital organs, including the liver and kidneys.Pharmacists also cautioned that products marketed as beauty supplements are not automatically safe or effective.
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What is this story about?
Health experts warn that Nigerians seeking lighter skin through whitening supplements, creams and vitamin infusions may expose themselves to serious risks, including liver and kidney damage. Nigerians seeking lighter skin are increasingly turning to whitening supplements, creams and vitamin infusions, raising concerns among health professionals about the potential consequences of these practices.The trend gained attention after a video...
Who published this story?
Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
When was it published?
October 10, 2026
