Counterfeit Cosmetics Flood On-line Marketplaces, Which? Warns of Well being Threat

THE WHAT? A Which? investigation has discovered that two-thirds of cosmetics bought from third-party sellers on Amazon, eBay, TikTok Store, and Vinted seem like counterfeit, elevating severe well being and security issues.

THE DETAILS Of 34 magnificence merchandise bought by Which? from widespread on-line marketplaces, 23 have been probably fakes—some practically indistinguishable from the originals with out direct comparability. The suspected counterfeit objects included well-known manufacturers similar to Charlotte Tilbury, MAC, The Odd, La Roche-Posay, and Maybelline. TikTok Store and Vinted confirmed the best charges of suspected counterfeits. Some merchandise had misspelled labels, off-smelling formulation, or lacked security markings fully. Consultants warn these unregulated cosmetics might comprise poisonous substances or be incorrectly formulated, posing dangers like pores and skin infections or chemical burns.

THE WHY? Counterfeit magnificence merchandise not solely mislead customers however can also comprise hazardous elements and contribute to unlawful commerce networks. With little enforcement and rising gross sales on peer-to-peer platforms, Which? is urging the UK authorities to strengthen market accountability and overhaul the under-resourced client safety system.

Supply: Which