Mercury, lead and methanol found in counterfeit beauty products seized across UK
Copies of popular cosmetics and skincare products more likely to contain toxic substances, Trading Standards warns Mercury, lead and methanol have been found in counterfeit beauty products seized across the UK, Trading Standards has said. There is a rising problem with fake beauty products, with scammers selling copies of popular and expensive brands. Cosmetics, skincare and perfumes are now…
Counterfeit beauty products seized in the UK contain toxic substances like mercury, lead, and methanol, according to Trading Standards. These synthetic items, often marketed under popular brand names, pose significant health risks. Tests revealed 13,200 parts per million of mercury in a skincare product, while counterfeit perfumes contained nicotine.
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) reported that nearly a quarter of 18- to 24-year-olds unknowingly purchased fakes in 2023, up from 6% in 2023. Counterfeit products lack health and safety scrutiny and may contain inaccurate ingredient lists, making them more likely to include harmful substances. The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit and Greater Manchester police seized 1,666 fake hair products in July, while another raid uncovered £2 million worth of counterfeit goods in Bolton.
Rani Ghosh, an independent toxicologist, warned that mercury and lead can cause internal health issues, with effects not immediately visible. Trading Standards tested 50 counterfeit cosmetics, identifying potentially harmful substances. Helen Barnham, head of enforcement engagement at the IPO, emphasized that these products can appear convincing but contain dangerous chemicals made in unhygienic conditions.
Counterfeiters exploit brands' names and reputations to bypass safety standards. The IPO launched a campaign, Face the Fakes, to educate consumers about the risks of counterfeit products.
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