THE WHAT? The UK Mental Property Workplace (IPO) has launched a nationwide marketing campaign warning of doubtless dangerous substances in counterfeit cosmetics, following checks that discovered 40 p.c of seized merchandise contained hazardous components.
THE DETAILS Launched on 2 November 2026, the Face the Fakes marketing campaign follows Buying and selling Requirements testing of fifty counterfeit cosmetics merchandise, together with skincare, make-up and fragrances. Investigators recognized mercury, extreme lead, methanol, nicotine and hydroquinone, with one counterfeit perfume containing roughly 80 p.c methanol. The IPO additionally reported that 20 p.c of 18–24-year-olds who bought cosmetics in 2025 knowingly purchased counterfeit merchandise, in contrast with 6 p.c in 2023. In the meantime, 71 p.c of counterfeit cosmetics and toiletries patrons bought merchandise on-line. The marketing campaign, supported by the Beauty, Toiletry and Perfumery Affiliation (CTPA) and business organisations, consists of steerage for retailers, salons and companies on figuring out counterfeit merchandise and defending provide chains
THE WHY? The findings spotlight the rising risk counterfeit cosmetics pose to shopper security, model safety and legit distribution channels throughout the UK cosmetics business. Rising on-line gross sales of counterfeit merchandise are rising stress on producers, retailers and digital marketplaces to strengthen provide chain traceability, mental property enforcement and product authentication.
Supply: GOV.UK
