Copies of leading Make-up brands such as MAC, Benefit and Urban Decay are being produced in squalid overseas factories, risking cross-contamination with potentially lethal substances such as arsenic, mercury and lead.
The fake goods are then sold through popular websites such as eBay and Amazon and shipped to the United Kingdom.
City of London Police’s intellectual property crime unit have this week launched a national alert to get shoppers to stop buying the deadly beauty products.
“Laboratory tests have shown counterfeit perfume often contains poisonous chemicals including cyanide and even human urine,” said a London police spokesman.
“Fake cosmetics such as eyeliner, mascara, lipgloss and foundation have been found to contain toxic levels of chemicals and harmful substances such as arsenic, mercury and lead.
“All of these can cause allergic reactions, such as skin irritation, swelling, rashes and burns as well as leaving the consumer with longer-term health problems.”
One victim looked like she had been beaten up after she was given fake MAC products for Christmas. Question is, is Africa affected?
