The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has identified dangerous substances in counterfeit cosmetics seized across the UK, including mercury, high levels of lead and methanol. The findings are part of the IPO’s “Face the Fakes” campaign, which collaborates with beauty industry groups, scientific experts and social media influencers to alert consumers to health risks.
Toxic Substances Found in Counterfeit Products
Testing by Trading Standards on 50 seized counterfeit cosmetic items revealed that 20 failed safety checks, with prohibited or harmful chemicals detected in skin care, makeup and fragrance products. Mercury was found in one counterfeit skin lightening cream at 1.32%, or 13,200 parts per million—far exceeding permitted limits. The metal is banned in such products due to risks of kidney and nervous system damage with repeated skin exposure.
Lead contamination appeared in counterfeit lipsticks, eyeshadows and contour kits, with levels reaching 40 mg/kg in one kit. The heavy metal can accumulate in the body over time, potentially harming the brain, nervous system and kidneys. Nicotine was also detected in a counterfeit perfume despite being prohibited in cosmetics. Methanol, a highly toxic alcohol, was present at approximately 80% in one fake fragrance, posing risks of poisoning, vision loss and neurological damage through skin contact or inhalation.
Additionally, one counterfeit skin lightening cream contained 8.1% hydroquinone, a chemical banned in UK cosmetic skin lighteners due to risks of skin irritation and permanent pigmentation changes. These substances bypass the rigorous safety protocols applied to legitimate products.
Recent Raids and Seizures
In July 2026, the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit and Greater Manchester Police seized 1,666 counterfeit hair products from a Manchester warehouse, including hair extensions, shampoos and conditioners. Earlier, Trading Standards confiscated ÂŁ2 million worth of fake goods in Bolton from a production facility, targeting perfumes, cosmetics, clothing and vapes.
These actions show the scale of counterfeiting in the beauty sector, with cosmetics, skincare and perfumes consistently ranking among the top ten most frequently investigated counterfeit categories by Trading Standards.
Industry Response and Awareness Campaign
The raids and testing highlight ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit goods, with authorities and industry groups urging beauty professionals and retailers to implement stricter sourcing and verification procedures.
