New Research Reveals Serious Health Risks from Fake Cosmetics
- More than 65% of beauty products sold on online marketplaces are likely to be counterfeit, according to Which?
- 23 out of 34 branded items tested were found to be ‘likely fakes’
- Counterfeit cosmetics may contain toxic ingredients like lead, mercury or arsenic and even animal waste
- Six products bought from Vinted were all suspected fakes, five from TikTok Shop and eight from eBay raised red flags
- Which? is calling for stronger consumer protections to crack down on the growing volume of counterfeit goods online
A recent investigation by consumer group Which? found that over 65% of beauty products sold on popular online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, TikTok Shop, and Vinted are likely to be counterfeit. Out of 34 branded items tested, 23 were identified as ‘likely fakes’, imitating major brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Maybelline, La Roche-Posay, The Ordinary, and Mac. These fake products pose serious health risks due to the potential presence of toxic ingredients such as lead, mercury, arsenic, or even animal waste. Six products bought from second-hand platform Vinted were all suspected fakes, while five out of those tested from TikTok Shop and eight of 11 eBay items raised red flags. Which? is urging the government to strengthen consumer protections to combat the growing issue of counterfeit goods online.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the high percentage of counterfeit beauty products found on online marketplaces and raises concerns about potential health risks. It also mentions specific examples of fake products and calls for stronger consumer protections. However, it includes a brief unrelated sentence at the end that is not directly related to the main topic.
Noise Level: 7
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the high percentage of counterfeit beauty products on online marketplaces and the potential health risks associated with them. However, it contains some repetitive information and dives into an unrelated topic at the end regarding Boots’ new private equity owner, which may not be directly related to the main issue discussed in the article.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the issue of counterfeit cosmetics being sold on online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, TikTok Shop, and Vinted. This is a financial topic because it involves consumer protection and potential health risks associated with purchasing fake products. The impact on companies is not directly mentioned in this article.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article. The main topic discusses the high percentage of counterfeit beauty products sold on online marketplaces and the potential health risks associated with them, but it does not qualify as an extreme event.
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