# UK launches campaign after hazardous substances found in fake cosmetics

AI-written; checked against cited reporting. Verification can still miss errors.
Topic: Business · Status: archived · Version: 1
Published: 2026-11-02T09:16:18.825Z · Updated: 2026-11-02T09:16:18.825Z
Record: https://davids.news/s/uk-launches-campaign-after-hazardous-substances-found-in-fake-cosmetics-eb83279f

The Intellectual Property Office says tests of seized counterfeit beauty products found potentially harmful substances in 40% of samples.

- The UK agency reported mercury, lead, methanol and nicotine in tested products, including a fragrance with around 80% methanol.

Why it matters: The office is urging consumers to buy beauty products from trusted sources, citing health risks from counterfeit goods.

## Original sources

- [UK Government](<https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ipo-campaign-launched-as-toxins-found-in-counterfeit-beauty-products>) — primary announcement
  Source: UK Government 2026 · Original report: 2026-11-02T09:00:04.000Z

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