Do you know what you’re putting on your skin?

In the news – consumers are being warned against a rise in fake-up, make-up abundant with dangerous chemicals

Last week Good Morning Britain featured reports that fake cosmetics containing dangerous levels of poisonous chemicals such as arsenic and lead are being sold. In the last few days The Daily Mail has also reported on the sale of counterfeit products, warning of harmful health implications.

Some of these fake products have been found to contain 200 times the safe limit of chemicals including arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and copper. These heavy metals have been linked to health problems ranging from allergic reactions and skin sensitivity to nerve disorders – and even death.

Dermatologists have reported a rise in the number of women with skin conditions triggered by use of the counterfeit cosmetics, and have warned the make-up can cause permanent damage.

Excessive levels of lead can cause high blood pressure, fertility problems, memory and concentration problems. In some cases products were found to contain up to 19 times the legal level of lead

Pregnant women and their unborn babies are particularly vulnerable to some of these dangerous chemicals. High levels of lead leads to an increased risk of harm to the foetus during pregnancy. 

The manufacture of genuine cosmetics is strictly controlled and products are tested rigorously before they go on sale. But counterfeiters use cheap, untested substances in their products, which are often packaged to look virtually identical to the genuine brand. Counterfeiters are putting in many more metals because that's what binds the make-up together. This is very strictly controlled in the UK because these metals are dangerous.

Fake versions of top brands are also being sold online. Fraudsters are able to hide behind internet sites to sell the fake goods. Products are priced so that they are a bargain, but not so cheap as to be an obvious con.  

Consumers have no way of knowing if the reduced version is genuine or fake. Counterfeiters are using domain names that appear like they are from the UK when they are not.

Consumers are advised to buy only from official stockists

In the case of fake make-up, people who buy these products  are then putting them near their eyes and mouths, which can cause blindness and if you ingest enough of it, even death.

At Euphoric we stock Jane Iredale skincare make-up. The wide range of products contain no harsh chemicals, artificial dyes or fillers. Only the highest grade minerals are used and the natural pigments provide flawless coverage.

A professional Jane Iredale make-up artist visits the salon monthly to offer clients one to one consultations. To book, please contact the salon on 01903 206600.