Counterfeit cosmetic products pose a direct safety risk to users as these products often are found to contain excessive irritants and even poisonous elements such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead and even various strains of bacteria.
Office of Environment, Health, Safety & Security
November 19, 2021
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Counterfeit cosmetic products pose a direct safety risk to users as these products often are found to contain excessive irritants and even poisonous elements such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead and even various strains of bacteria. With the increase in online sales of cosmetic products, this has given a rise to the counterfeit cosmetic products market. In a 2018 GAO report (GAO 18-216) they found 100% of the cosmetics procured from online e-warehouse sites were counterfeit. This is a significant finding for those that may be buying their cosmetic products online and not directly from the manufacturer or brand owner of that product as the likelihood of receiving a counterfeit is extremely high.