Mercury, high levels of lead and methanol have been discovered in seized counterfeit cosmetics in the UK, according to a new investigation by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
The findings are being highlighted via the IPO’s ‘Face the Fakes’ campaign, which is working with beauty industry organisations, scientific experts and social media creators to raise awareness of the risks.
Trading Standards testing found four in ten seized counterfeit cosmetic products failed safety checks.
Beauty salons, retailers and professionals across the UK are being urged to strengthen checks on the cosmetics products they buy, use and sell.
Beauty products are a major target for counterfeiters in the UK, with cosmetics, skin care and perfumes among Trading Standards’ ten most commonly investigated counterfeit goods.
In a recent raid in Manchester, the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit and Greater Manchester Police seized 1,666 counterfeit hair products in July 2026 from a warehouse, including hair extensions, shampoo and conditioners.
This follows a raid in Bolton, in which Trading Standards officers seized £2mi worth of counterfeit goods, including perfume, cosmetics, clothing and vapes at a production facility in a commercial property.
Millie Kendall, CEO of the British Beauty Council, said: “The UK beauty industry puts enormous care, creativity and expertise into creating products that people love and can use with confidence.
“Safety and trust run right through our industry, from the brands developing products to the retailers and professionals bringing them to consumers.
“Counterfeiters trade on the reputation and creativity that brilliant beauty businesses have worked hard to build, without meeting the same standards.
“We want everyone to enjoy beauty and feel confident about what they are buying, and we are proud to support ‘Face the Fakes’ and help more people buy from sources they can trust.”
What did the Intellectual Property Office discover in its investigation?
Trading Standards testing of a cross-section of 50 seized counterfeit cosmetic products found 20 failed on safety grounds, with potentially harmful or prohibited substances identified across skin care, make-up and fragrance.
Mercury in skin care: One counterfeit skin lightening cream contained 1.32% mercury, equivalent to 13,200 parts per million. Mercury is prohibited in cosmetics of this type, and repeated exposure through the skin can damage the kidneys and nervous system.
Lead in make-up: High levels of lead were found in counterfeit lipstick, eyeshadow and contour products, including 40 mg/kg in one contour kit. Lead can build up in the body over time, potentially affecting the brain, nervous system and kidneys.
Nicotine in perfume: Testing also detected nicotine in a counterfeit perfume, despite it being prohibited in cosmetics.
Methanol in fragrance: One counterfeit fragrance contained around 80% methanol, a toxic alcohol that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. At sufficiently high exposure, methanol can cause serious poisoning, including damage to the nervous system and eyesight.
Hydroquinone in skin care: One counterfeit skin lightening cream contained 8.1% hydroquinone, a chemical prohibited in cosmetic skin lightening products in the UK. It can cause irritation and, with repeated use, potentially permanent changes to skin pigmentation.
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 undergo a safety assessment, and 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 matters."
