Mercury, lead and methanol found in counterfeit beauty products seized across UK
Summary
UK Trading Standards said tests of 50 seized counterfeit beauty products found potentially harmful substances, including mercury, lead, nicotine and methanol. Authorities reported that counterfeit cosmetics and toiletries are often bought online and announced a campaign to warn consumers about the risks.Key Facts
- Tests found 13,200 parts per million of mercury in one counterfeit skincare product.
- Some counterfeit lipsticks, eyeshadows and contour products contained high levels of lead.
- A counterfeit fragrance was about 80% methanol, a toxic alcohol that can cause serious poisoning.
- The IPO tracker found that 20% of 18- to 24-year-olds who bought beauty products last year knowingly purchased counterfeits, up from 6% in 2023.
- Trading Standards surveys found that nearly three in four people who bought counterfeit cosmetics and toiletries purchased them online.
- Police and Greater Manchester police seized 1,666 counterfeit hair products in July.
- A raid in Bolton uncovered counterfeit goods worth £2 million, including perfume, cosmetics, clothing and vapes.
- The IPO is launching a campaign called Face the Fakes with content creators and the beauty industry.
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