Irish consumers are being urged not to purchase counterfeit cosmetics, after some were found to contain dangerous substances, including arsenic and lead.

The call comes from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), which said that it has identified harmful substances in a number of counterfeit cosmetics that were intended for the Irish market.

It noted that many of these products were considered ‘high end' and were being offered for sale via certain outlets, markets and websites in the lead up to Christmas. Brands included MAC, Benefit and Urban Decay.

However tests carried out by the HPRA found that some contained harmful substances, including arsenic.

It noted that over the last year, thousands of counterfeit cosmetic products have been prevented from entering Ireland by the Revenue's Customs Service. Products which have made it into Ireland have also been detected by the HSE's Environmental Health Service, which works with the HPRA in this area.

According to Aoife Farrell, the HPRA's cosmetic compliance manager, it is of major concern that ingredients that are banned from use in cosmetics are being detected in some products.

"Long periods of exposure to substances such as arsenic and lead can have potentially harmful effects on the body, such as damage to numerous organs and systems, including the kidneys and the central nervous system. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headaches and vomiting.

"Even those products that may not contain banned substances are often manufactured in unhygienic conditions using poor quality raw materials. These products may lead to skin irritation or possibly eye infections," she explained.

She noted that with counterfeit products, little or nothing is known about the ingredients, the manufacturing process or the hygiene of the facility used.

"It is clear that those involved in counterfeiting are interested only in financial gain and have little regard for the health of those who might use the product. That poses a very real health risk. Their activities also cause commercial and reputational damage to legitimate businesses," Ms Farrell said.

The HPRA pointed out that genuine high-end products are usually only available via high-street shops and pharmacies. It urged people to exercise extreme caution if they are offered such goods at markets or through non-reputable websites.

"Beauty brands usually list their licensed retailers on their website and this is an easy way for consumers to check. If a product is much cheaper than in a high-street store or pharmacy, people should be immediately suspicious," Ms Farrell added.

The HPRA said that counterfeit goods can often be spotted by a physical check:
-Are there uneven fill levels e.g. in eye-shadow palettes?
-Is the packaging faded?
-Are there any wrong spellings on the packaging or information leaflet?
-Is the name of the product or shade slightly different?
-Is the print (font or style) on the container different?
-Does the mirror not quite fit or is it bad quality?

Consumers can report sellers of fake cosmetic products to the Gardai on 1800 666 111. They can also report anyone who is illegally importing counterfeit cosmetic products to the Revenue on 1800 295 295.

Any undesirable health effects can be reported to your healthcare professional, the manufacturer (contact details on product packaging) or directly to the HPRA. Consumers can do that through the HPRA website here or email cosmetics@hpra.ie