In the run-up to Christmas, Irish shoppers are being warned of the dangers of using counterfeit cosmetics. It has been found that many of these counterfeit high-end cosmetics, which are largely available online, contain arsenic and lead.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has issued the warning after it became clear that the products would be sold on the Irish market. Counterfeit products going by popular names such as Urban Decay, MAC and Benefit have been found for sale on the Irish markets and on websites.
The HPRA has said that thousands of fake products were stopped from coming into the country by Revenue’s Customs service this year. However the huge amount of these making it onto the Irish market through websites is a huge cause for concern.
The HPRA’s cosmetic compliance manager, Aoife Farrell spoke on the issue:
“Long periods of exposure to substances such as arsenic and lead can have potentially harmful effects on the body, such as damage to numerous organs and systems, including the kidneys and the central nervous system. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headaches and vomiting.”
“Even those products that may not contain banned substances are often manufactured in unhygienic conditions using poor quality raw materials. These products may lead to skin irritation or possibly eye infections.”
Ms. Farrell added: “Beauty brands usually list their licensed retailers on their website and this is an easy way for consumers to check. If a product is much cheaper than in a high-street store or pharmacy, people should be immediately suspicious.”