THE WHAT? The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has launched a national campaign warning of potentially harmful substances in counterfeit cosmetics, following tests that found 40 percent of seized products contained hazardous ingredients.
THE DETAILS Launched on 2 November 2026, the Face the Fakes campaign follows Trading Standards testing of 50 counterfeit cosmetics products, including skincare, make-up and fragrances. Investigators identified mercury, excessive lead, methanol, nicotine and hydroquinone, with one counterfeit fragrance containing approximately 80 percent methanol. The IPO also reported that 20 percent of 18–24-year-olds who purchased cosmetics in 2025 knowingly bought counterfeit products, compared with 6 percent in 2023. Meanwhile, 71 percent of counterfeit cosmetics and toiletries buyers purchased products online. The campaign, supported by the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) and industry organisations, includes guidance for retailers, salons and businesses on identifying counterfeit products and protecting supply chains
THE WHY? The findings highlight the growing threat counterfeit cosmetics pose to consumer safety, brand protection and legitimate distribution channels across the UK cosmetics industry. Rising online sales of counterfeit products are increasing pressure on manufacturers, retailers and digital marketplaces to strengthen supply chain traceability, intellectual property enforcement and product authentication.
Source: GOV.UK
