JusticeUnited Kingdom Official institution
Fake beauty products found to contain mercury, lead and methanol
The UK Intellectual Property Office has launched a public campaign after tests on seized fake cosmetics found possibly harmful substances in four in ten products. One skincare product contained 13,200 parts per million of mercury, and a fake fragrance was around 80% methanol. Among 18 to 24-year-olds who bought beauty products in 2025, 20% admitted knowingly buying fakes.
This summary was generated by AI; the official source prevails.
Who is affected?
Anyone buying cosmetics, skincare or perfume, especially young adults and people shopping online.
What changes?
The share of 18 to 24-year-olds who knowingly bought fake beauty products rose from 6% in 2023 to 20% in 2025.