Fake beauty products seized by Trading Standards have been found to contain dangerous levels of mercury, lead and methanol. Cosmetics, skincare and perfumes now rank among Trading Standards' 10 most frequently investigated counterfeit goods, with four in 10 confiscated cosmetics found to harbour potentially hazardous substances.
Testing reveals hazardous substances
Testing revealed 13,200 parts per million of mercury in a single skincare product, elevated levels of lead in lipstick, eyeshadow and contour products, nicotine in perfume, and one counterfeit fragrance comprising approximately 80% methanol.
Some 20% of 18 to 24-year-olds who purchased beauty products last year knowingly bought counterfeits, a sharp rise from 6% in 2023, according to the latest Intellectual Property Office (IPO) Counterfeit Goods Tracker.
Enforcement actions and seizures
The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit and Greater Manchester Police confiscated 1,666 counterfeit hair products in July from a Manchester warehouse, including hair extensions, shampoo and conditioners.
This followed a raid in Bolton, during which Trading Standards officers seized £2 million worth of counterfeit goods — including perfume, cosmetics, clothing and vapes — from a production facility housed within a commercial premises.
Expert warnings and industry response
The IPO's Face the Fakes campaign is currently collaborating with content creators and the beauty industry to highlight the potential dangers posed by counterfeit beauty products. Independent toxicologist Rani Ghosh warned: "When you hear that mercury has been found in face cream, lead in make-up or nicotine in perfume, it raises serious questions about what is going into these products and how they are being made."
"Some reactions to unsafe cosmetics may be visible, such as irritation, swelling or changes to the skin. But what concerns me as a toxicologist is what you might not see. Substances such as mercury and lead can affect the body internally, and those effects may not be immediately obvious. Counterfeit beauty products can look incredibly convincing. You cannot tell from the packaging what chemicals are inside, how the product has been made, or what risk it might pose. That is why knowing where your beauty products come from matters."
Helen Barnham, head of enforcement engagement at the IPO, stated: "These findings show why counterfeit beauty products can pose such serious risks to consumers. Products can look remarkably convincing, but behind the packaging they can contain dangerous substances that have no place in the cosmetics people use every day, and can be made in appalling, unhygienic conditions."
"Counterfeiters exploit the names and reputations of brands that consumers know and trust, while bypassing the rigorous safety standards that legitimate businesses work hard to meet. With our latest research showing a sharp rise in counterfeit beauty buying among young adults, we want to make sure people understand the potential risks and know how to protect themselves. Our Face the Fakes campaign is giving consumers practical advice to shop more safely, including checking who is actually selling a product and choosing trusted sources."
Dr Emma Meredith, director-general of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), said: "There is a rigorous safety framework behind every legitimate cosmetic product sold in the UK. Ingredients are carefully controlled, products have to be made in clean and hygienic conditions, and they must undergo a safety assessment. Companies have clear legal responsibilities for the products they place on the market."
"A huge amount of work happens behind the scenes to make sure people can use their cosmetics with confidence. Counterfeit products can bypass those safeguards, which is why knowing who you are buying from and choosing trusted sources really matters."
