Testing conducted by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and Trading Standards revealed that 4 out of 10 seized counterfeit cosmetics contained potentially harmful substances. These included mercury, excessive lead, methanol, and nicotine.
In response, the IPO launched the 'Face the Fakes' campaign to educate consumers and businesses about the risks associated with counterfeit cosmetics and health products. The campaign highlights specific findings, such as a skincare product with 13,200 parts per million of mercury, excessive lead in make-up, and a counterfeit fragrance composed of approximately 80% methanol, all of which can be detrimental to health.
The campaign also features safety advice from an expert toxicologist and support from the beauty industry, including the British Beauty Council and the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association. Giorgia Aloi, who established safeglam.co.uk to raise awareness after her mother experienced adverse reactions to fake make-up, is also involved.
The initiative aims to underscore that counterfeit beauty products are a growing concern, with cosmetics, skincare, and perfumes now among Trading Standards' top ten most investigated fake items. The council stresses that purchasing from untrusted sellers can pose significant health and safety risks.
For further information, consumers can visit the IPO's campaign page at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ipo-campaign-launched-as-toxins-found-in-counterfeit-beauty-products.
