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A UK Intellectual Property Office investigation reports that 20 of 50 seized counterfeit cosmetic products tested by Trading Standards failed safety checks. Tests identified mercury, high levels of lead and methanol, as well as nicotine and hydroquinone, in products including skin care, make-up and fragrance.
Trading Standards testing found that 20 of 50 seized counterfeit cosmetics failed safety checks, with tests detecting mercury, high levels of lead and methanol in products sold as skin care, make-up and fragrance, according to a new investigation by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The IPO is highlighting the findings through its “Face the Fakes” campaign, which urges consumers and beauty businesses to be wary of counterfeit products.
The tested sample included a counterfeit skin-lightening cream containing 1.32% mercury, or 13,200 parts per million. Mercury is prohibited in cosmetics of this type. The source report says repeated skin exposure can damage the kidneys and nervous system. A separate counterfeit skin-lightening cream contained 8.1% hydroquinone, which is prohibited in cosmetic skin-lightening products in the UK and may cause irritation or lasting changes in skin pigmentation with repeated use.
Tests also found lead in counterfeit lipstick, eyeshadow and contour products, including 40 milligrams per kilogram in one contour kit. Lead can accumulate in the body over time and may affect the brain, nervous system and kidneys, the report says. A counterfeit perfume contained nicotine, while a counterfeit fragrance contained around 80% methanol. Methanol is toxic and can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled; sufficiently high exposure can cause serious poisoning, including damage to eyesight and the nervous system.
The IPO investigation’s figures describe a cross-section of 50 seized products, not all cosmetics sold in the UK. The report says four in ten of the tested products failed safety checks. It does not give details of the individual products’ brands, where they were sold, or whether anyone was harmed.
Risks for Buyers and Beauty Businesses
The findings point to a consumer safety risk when counterfeit goods bypass the controls applied to legitimate cosmetics. Buyers may not be able to identify hazardous ingredients from a product’s appearance or packaging alone. For salons, retailers and beauty professionals, sourcing matters too: products they buy or use could expose customers and staff to substances that should not be present in cosmetics.
The IPO campaign is also aimed at protecting confidence in the wider beauty trade. Counterfeit products can imitate established brands while avoiding the safety assessments and legal responsibilities that apply to legitimate products. The report does not establish how common these products are across the market, but its sample shows why enforcement agencies and industry groups are drawing attention to the issue.
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The UK Counterfeit Cosmetics Investigation
The IPO is promoting the findings through “Face the Fakes”, a campaign involving beauty industry organisations, scientific experts and social media creators. It is urging salons, retailers and professionals across the UK to strengthen checks on cosmetics they buy, use and sell. The source report says cosmetics, skin care and perfumes are among the ten types of counterfeit goods most commonly investigated by Trading Standards.
The report places the testing alongside other enforcement activity. In July 2026, the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit and Greater Manchester Police seized 1,666 counterfeit hair products, including extensions, shampoos and conditioners, from a Manchester warehouse. It also describes a separate raid in Bolton, where Trading Standards seized goods valued at £2 million, including perfume, cosmetics, clothing and vapes. These seizures are distinct from the 50-product safety-testing sample.
Millie Kendall, chief executive of the British Beauty Council, said counterfeiters trade on the reputation and creativity of legitimate businesses without meeting the same standards. The council supports the campaign, she said, and wants people to buy from sources they can trust. Dr Emma Meredith, director-general of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association, said legitimate UK cosmetics are subject to ingredient controls, safety assessments and legal responsibilities.
““Counterfeiters trade on the reputation and creativity that brilliant beauty businesses have worked hard to build, without meeting the same standards.””
— Millie Kendall, chief executive of the British Beauty Council
Limits of the Test Findings
The available report does not identify the brands, sellers or locations linked to the 50 tested products, nor does it say when or where each was seized. It also does not describe the testing method, how the sample was selected, or whether the results represent counterfeit cosmetics more broadly. The finding that 20 products failed safety checks applies to this sample only.
The source provides no information about injuries or exposure cases connected to the seized products, and it does not say whether further tests, prosecutions or product recalls have followed. The specific quantities reported for individual ingredients should not be taken as typical of counterfeit cosmetics generally.
Campaign and Enforcement Steps
The IPO’s “Face the Fakes” campaign is calling on beauty businesses to strengthen checks on the products they purchase, use and sell, while working with industry groups, experts and social media creators to raise awareness. The source material does not set out a campaign timetable or announce a new enforcement deadline.
For now, the reported findings support the campaign’s call to use trusted sellers and suppliers. Further details on enforcement action, the products tested and any follow-up investigations were not provided in the source report.
Key Questions
What did Trading Standards find in the seized counterfeit cosmetics?
Testing found that 20 of 50 products failed safety checks. The investigation reported mercury, lead, methanol, nicotine and hydroquinone in different counterfeit skin-care, make-up and fragrance products.
How much mercury was found in the cream?
One counterfeit skin-lightening cream contained 1.32% mercury, equivalent to 13,200 parts per million, according to the report.
Were all cosmetics in the UK found to be unsafe?
No. The finding covers a sample of 50 seized counterfeit products. It does not describe all cosmetics sold in the UK or establish how common unsafe counterfeit products are across the market.
What is the “Face the Fakes” campaign asking businesses to do?
The campaign urges salons, retailers and beauty professionals to strengthen checks on the cosmetics they buy, use and sell, and encourages people to choose sources they trust.
Source: cosmeticsbusiness.com
