Counterfeit cosmetics are unauthorised replicas of genuine beauty products, designed to mimic the appearance of popular brands. While they may look convincing, these fakes often contain harmful ingredients and are produced without adhering to safety regulations.
Purchasing and using counterfeit cosmetics can pose serious health risks and support illegal activities.
Health risks associated with counterfeit products
Unlike legitimate products, counterfeit cosmetics bypass rigorous safety assessments. They are frequently manufactured in unsanitary conditions and may contain dangerous substances such as:
- Toxic chemicals like arsenic, lead, and mercury
- Harmful bacteria and contaminants
- Illegal levels of active ingredients
Using these products can lead to allergic reactions, skin irritation, infections, and even long-term health issues. For instance, fake perfumes have caused severe allergic reactions, and counterfeit makeup has been linked to skin burns and other adverse effects.
In 2024, the UK Intellectual Property Office’s (IPO) campaign “Choose Safe Not Fake” highlighted how the lookalike packaging of counterfeit beauty and hygiene products can be hiding some very unsavoury and unsafe ingredients.
The IPO said that testing carried out on a selection of counterfeit products revealed that they contained carcinogenic ingredients such as beryllium oxide and harmful heavy metals (arsenic, lead and mercury), all of which are banned from use in legal cosmetic products. Samples also contained rodent urine and equine (horse) faeces, pointing to the unsanitary conditions in which counterfeit products can be produced.
Economic and criminal implications
The counterfeit cosmetics industry doesn't just harm consumers, it also undermines legitimate businesses and the economy, funds organised crime, including drug trafficking and human trafficking, and erodes consumer trust in brands.
Profits from counterfeit goods are often funnelled into other illegal activities, making the purchase of fake cosmetics a contribution to broader criminal enterprises.
How to spot counterfeit cosmetics
To protect yourself, look out for these common warning signs:
- Too-good-to-be-true prices: Significantly discounted products may be counterfeit
- Unverified sellers: Be cautious of unknown online retailers or marketplaces
- Poor packaging: Look for misspellings, low-quality printing, or inconsistencies in branding
- Lack of contact information: Legitimate companies provide clear customer service details
- No safety seals or batch numbers: Authentic products often include these for traceability
Online shopping and cosmetics – how to spot fakes
Beware of counterfeits on social media:
Social media platforms have become a popular place to shop online. They can offer a fun way to explore new cosmetics and personal care products - but as with any online purchase, it’s not always easy to tell whether what we’re buying is the real deal. Don’t be caught out.
Heavily discounted prices:
If the product is being offered at a very cheap price, the chances are that it is an untested and unsafe look-alike that’s not worth the potential cost to your health.
‘Flash sale’ social media ads:
Beware of ads promoting ‘flash sales’ for heavily discounted products. This is a technique that counterfeiters commonly use to make you rush into buying without thinking first.
Social account not connected to the brand website:
Fake social accounts selling counterfeits may well contain the original brand name. If you’re in any doubt, head to the brand website and click back to its social media account.
Poor quality website:
Exercise caution around websites with poor spelling and grammar or no way to contact customer services. If you’re unsure, look for reviews in forums and blogs. People will often warn others of illegal sites.
People who post but don’t interact:
Look out for people who spend lots of time posting about products for sale on social media, but invest little to no time engaging with other community members. It’s a common counterfeit tell.
Unverified influencer:
While being verified by a social media platform is no guarantee that an influencer isn’t selling counterfeits, it provides reassurance that if a purchase turns out to be a fake, you can report it to the platform who can take swift action to address this.
Always buy cosmetics from reputable sources, such as official brand websites or authorised retailers.
How to report a counterfeit product
If you suspect a product is counterfeit:
- Stop using it immediately
- Report the seller to the platform where the purchase was made
- Inform the brand owner, providing details and photos of the product
- Contact local authorities or trading standards to report the incident
To report concerns about fake products or false claims made about products, contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline on 0808 223 1133 or via their online chat service.
Reporting helps authorities take action against counterfeit operations and protects other consumers.
Further information
The Anti-Counterfeiting Group (A-CG)
