IRISH consumers have been issued a strong warning this Christmas after a number of counterfeit beauty products were found to contain toxic substances.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) and the Health Service Executive (HSE) have issued the warning after 728 imitation products were tested in Ireland.
They found that many fake versions of popular products on the market in Ireland are contaminated with arsenic and lead – extremely harmful substances which can cause long-term health problems and even death in rare cases.
Counterfeits found to contain the substances included Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner products such as the Holiday-Burgundy and Bronze eyeshadow palettes, Kylie Matte liquid lipstick and lip liner, and Urban Decay eyeshadow palettes.
HPRA cosmetics compliance manager Aoife Farrell said: “The HPRA is extremely concerned that highly toxic substances, such as arsenic and lead, have been detected in products which are available to Irish consumers.
“Prolonged exposure to both of these banned substances can severely damage your health causing potential harm to your brain and kidneys, among other organs.
“The suppliers of these products are unconcerned about the health of the consumers who purchase them.
“We can’t emphasise enough the need for consumers to be vigilant when purchasing cosmetics this Christmas; while they may be sold at a cheaper cost than legitimate beauty products, it is never worth gambling with your health when buying these products.”
“As well as the possible toxic ingredients which may be contained in counterfeit cosmetics, the way the products are manufactured and the safety and cleanliness of the production environment is unknown, which is another reason to avoid purchasing and using these cosmetics at all cost.”
Real products from Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner are currently only available from the company’s website in the USA, while other genuine high-end makeup products are usually only available through high street stores or pharmacies.
The HPRA and HSE warned Irish shoppers to be cautious if they are offered cosmetic products on non-reputable websites or at markets.
Ms Farrell said: “Beauty brands usually list their licensed retailers on their websites and this is an easy way for consumers to ensure that they are purchasing a genuine cosmetic product.
“If a product is much cheaper than in a high street store or pharmacy, consumers should be immediately suspicious and think twice before buying the beauty product.”
