A recent investigation by Pulse Nigeria has uncovered that Biore UV sunscreen is being sold in some government-licensed pharmacies in Lagos, Nigeria, despite the company's claim that it does not distribute to the country. The investigation was sparked by a screenshot of an interaction on TikTok between Biore UV and a Nigerian customer, in which the company claimed it does not distribute to Nigeria. This claim has raised concerns about the authenticity and safety of the products being sold in the country.
The investigation visited several major malls and pharmacies across Lagos, including Purple Mall, Spar, and Ikeja City Mall, to check if the product was being sold. At Purple Mall, the investigation found Biore UV sunscreen being sold at Medplus Pharmacy, with two quantities available: 50g and 70g. The 50g tube was priced at ₦3,400. However, at Spar, the investigation was unable to find the product, despite searching through the skincare aisle and other aisles.
The investigation also visited Medplus Pharmacy at Opebi, which did not have Biore UV sunscreen in stock. However, at Ikeja City Mall, the investigation found Medplus Pharmacy again, which had the 70g quantity of Biore UV sunscreen available. The investigation also visited HealthPlus pharmacy at Ikeja City Mall, which did not have the product in stock.
The investigation's findings have raised questions about how the product is being distributed and sold in Nigeria, despite the company's claim that it does not distribute to the country. The investigation also sent an email to Biore's email address and official Instagram account to find out more about the geography of their products, but received no response.
The Nigerian regulatory body, NAFDAC, has not made any public statements about the issue. The investigation's findings have also sparked concerns about the safety and authenticity of the products being sold in the country. Consumers have expressed concerns about the potential risks of using counterfeit or substandard products.
The investigation's findings highlight the need for greater transparency and regulation in the distribution and sale of cosmetics and skincare products in Nigeria. The investigation's findings also raise questions about the effectiveness of current regulations and quality control measures in place to protect consumers.
Key players in the industry have been urged to take responsibility for ensuring the safety and authenticity of the products being sold. The investigation's findings have also sparked a wider conversation about the need for greater accountability and transparency in the cosmetics and skincare industry in Nigeria.
Key points
- Biore UV sunscreen is being sold in some government-licensed pharmacies in Lagos, despite the company's claim that it does not distribute to Nigeria.
- The investigation's findings have raised concerns about the safety and authenticity of the products being sold in the country.
- The investigation's findings highlight the need for greater transparency and regulation in the distribution and sale of cosmetics and skincare products in Nigeria.
