Determinants of Acceptability and Use of Indigenous Cosmetics among Patrons in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria: Implication for Rural Livelihood

Use of indigenous cosmetics (IC) is fast loosing popularity in most African cities, in spite of their health, economic and social values. The study investigated acceptability and use of selected IC and determinants among patrons in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state, Nigeria. A total 120 patrons of IC were sampled and survey questions were administered. PPMC and Tobit regression were used to isolate determinants of use of IC at 5% significance level. Result reveals a high relative health, economic and social values attached awareness and acceptability of IC among patrons. Black soap (made from wood and banana husk ash), coconut oil and shea butter were the most commonly acceptable and used. Patrons comprised individuals across different gender, religious and educational categories. Constraints to use of IC were poor packaging, inconsistency in quality and inadequate refined process. Use of IC was however significantly determined by sex - female (β = -2.274), perceived social advantage (β = 0.481) and acceptability (β=0.335). Perceived relative social advantage and acceptability were important predictors of use of indigenous cosmetics among patrons in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state, Nigeria. Enormous prospects therefore exist for revitalization of the indigenous cosmetics industry in both rural and urban areas.