Getting Ratty About Fake Products

Fake make-up contains rats’ droppings, human urine, cyanide, and arsenic.

10:35 20 May 2015

Police have uncovered counterfeit goods, including fake make-ups that contain rats’ droppings, human urine, cyanide, and arsenic that are endangering consumer’s health. 

 

With people in the UK spending approximately £90 million on fake goods every year, the City of London Police launched a campaign called “Wake up – don’t fake up.”

 

Police warned consumers about fake beauty products that are easily available on auction sites, online market places, rogue websites, and social media. Police added that sellers of these fake products typically use stocked photos to deceive customers. 

 

Laboratory tests discovered that counterfeit perfumes contain cyanide and even human urine while fake cosmetics like eyeliner, mascara, lip gloss, and foundation contain harmful substances such as arsenic, mercury, and lead. 

 

Detective Superintendent Maria Woodall said: “Many people don’t know about the real dangers counterfeit beauty products pose to their health and so that is why this week we are urging the public to Wake up - don’t fake up!

 

“Beauty products are meant to enhance your features, however the fakes can in fact do quite the opposite. Our general rule is; if it seems too good to be true then it probably is.”