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Counterfeit beauty products contain mercury, lead and methanol

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 09:27 · Archive

Counterfeit beauty products seized by Trading Standards contained mercury, lead, nicotine and methanol, posing health risks to consumers.

Counterfeit beauty products seized by Trading Standards have been found to contain dangerous toxic chemicals including mercury, lead, nicotine and methanol. Testing revealed that four in ten seized cosmetics contained potentially harmful substances. Among the most alarming discoveries was a skincare product containing 13,200 parts per million of mercury, as well as high levels of lead in lipsticks, eyeshadows and contour products. One fake fragrance was made up of approximately 80 per cent methanol.

Rani Ghosh, an independent toxicologist, warned that the presence of these chemicals raises serious questions about product safety. She noted that whilst some reactions to unsafe cosmetics may be visible, such as irritation, swelling or changes to the skin, the internal effects of substances like mercury and lead may not be immediately obvious.

Ghosh highlighted that counterfeit products can look incredibly convincing, making it impossible for consumers to determine what chemicals are inside or what risks they pose from packaging alone. She stressed the importance of knowing where beauty products come from.

The Intellectual Property Office's latest Counterfeit Goods Tracker revealed concerning trends among younger consumers. One in five 18 to 24-year-olds who bought beauty products last year knowingly bought counterfeits, up from six per cent in 2023.

In July, the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit and Greater Manchester Police seized 1,666 counterfeit hair products, including extensions, shampoos and conditioners, from a warehouse in Manchester. The Intellectual Property Office has issued warnings about the dangers of counterfeit cosmetics across the UK.

Counterfeit beauty products contain mercury, lead and methanol
Image: Westmorland Gazette

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In this story: Trading Standards · Intellectual Property Office · Rani Ghosh · Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit · Greater Manchester Police · Manchester

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