Why fake beauty products pose a risk to your health

Why do fake beauty products pose a significant risk to you and your health?

According to the Home Office, we spend at least £90 million each year on fake goods bought online through auction sites, online marketplaces and social media. What you may not have realised is that these fake, counterfeit products pose a significant risk to you, and your health.

Below we have outlined some key facts and advice and some preventive tips to stop this happening to you.

The facts about fake beauty and counterfeit products

Poisonous and harmful chemicals

Lab tests have revealed that fake perfume and counterfeit make-up can contain poisonous or harmful chemicals that could affect your health.

Increased risk of fire

Counterfeit hair straighteners and other electrical beauty goods are not tested for safety. London Fire Brigade have said that house fires have been caused by hair straighteners left on. Genuine straighteners often have an auto-cut off, reducing fire risk.

No manufacturer’s guarantee

Fake electrical goods don’t have a guarantee. Many genuine brands will offer a guarantee, sometimes for 1 or 2 years. If your hairdryer breaks and it is fake, then you won't get a replacement.

More expensive in long run

Not only are you putting your health at risk with a potential fire hazard, but any potential saving you made initially will often result in an additional incurred cost when you have to buy a replacement.

More potential for online fraud and computer viruses

By purchasing fakes online, you could be compromising your details and exposing yourself to potential online fraud as well as your computers to potential viruses.

Preventative tips to stop this happening to you and others that you care about

Making a decision about what you buy

It's important to think about the risk of buying a fake product in comparison to the benefits. We recognise that there are lots of reasons people buy fakes, and one of the main reasons is their price. Here are ways you can go about getting the latest genuine beauty product:

Save up to get something that lasts

It might not actually work out cheaper to buy a fake product. For example, if you pay £75 for your counterfeit hair dryer and it breaks after 3 months then you will need to buy a new one. Even if you then decide to get a less expensive, genuine product then it still may cost you £40. You've now spend £115 in total. Alternatively, if you buy the genuine product for £99 and it lasts you a couple of years you may actually save money in the long run.

Buy pre-loved goods from a secure and reputable website

Lots of people sell second-hand, genuine electrical beauty products online.

Buy a smaller amount of a product or buy direct from the manufacturers

Want some brand name make-up but can't afford a whole palette? Why not order a couple of single shades? You might even get a better variety that way. With some brands, by subscribing directly to their brand’s newsletter or social media, you will be the first to hear about their sales and special offers. And you will often benefit from a new purchaser discount, or sometimes free delivery options.

Help prevent others’ health and lives being put at risk

Speak up and stay safe by telling us about people selling counterfeit beauty products.

If you have information about the sale of counterfeit products, contact us anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our Anonymous Online Form.