People are being warned not to use online skin or gel nail whitening kits after nearly nine out of 10 were found to be unsafe. Trading Standards experts say they cannot “turn a blind eye” as the risks from “dangerous” products are so great.
They have warned that “illegal” cosmetics have been found to contain harmful ingredients that can cause pregnancy complications, skin infections and the bone-weakening disorder, osteoporosis. Now the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is calling on people to look after three key areas:
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Skin lightening creams that contain illegal ingredients: These include hydroquinone, mercury and approved drugs such as corticosteroids. Creams containing these substances are illegal to sell in the UK and Europe because of the harmful and unpleasant side effects that can result from prolonged use.
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Illegal Teeth Whitening Kits: Home use kits can cause burns and gum damage. It is illegal for these teeth whitening kits to contain more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide or other bleaching agents that release hydrogen peroxide. Teeth whiteners bought online have been found to contain illegal and dangerous levels of hydrogen peroxide, up to 300 times the safe, legal limit.
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Professional use gel and L&P nail systems used by consumers at home : These use chemicals known as acrylates, including HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and Di-HEMA (trimethylhexyl dicarbamate) that can cause allergies to develop, which could lead to skin damage and lifelong side effects. To reduce the risk of allergy, UV Gel nail treatments should not come into contact with the skin, so they should only be administered by trained salon professionals using appropriate lamps.
The illegal skin whitening creams were purchased from a third party seller on the OnBuy online marketplace. Prohibited ingredients are not listed on the website, but listed on the product packaging is a prohibited ingredient, hydroquinone. Teeth Whitening and UV Gel Nail Kits are readily available at many sites including online shopping.
Trading Standards officers work hard to intercept these dangerous goods at UK ports and borders. The Suffolk Trading Standards Imports Team alone found that 88% of cosmetic products inspected last year were found to be unsafe or non-compliant.
Christine Heemskerk, Lead Officer for Product Safety at CTSI, said: “Cosmetics should attract compliments, not complications. These dangerous goods can leave the public with serious side effects for life.
“Trading Standards will remove these products from sale and take action where necessary, but online sellers must take responsibility for the products available for sale on their websites. Turning a blind eye is not an option when dealing with people’s health. Online shopping can and should do better.”
Dr Emma Meredith, Chief Executive of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), the trade association representing cosmetics and personal care manufacturers in the UK, said: “The safety of our customers is cosmetics’ number one priority. the industry and the UK have strict laws dedicated to the safety of cosmetic products and their ingredients. All cosmetic products legally available on the UK market, even online, must comply with these strict rules.
“The CTPA would advise you to buy your cosmetics from a reputable retail source and make sure they are properly labeled with a full list of ingredients. If a product is labeled ‘for professional use only’, only trust a professional to apply it for you , so you can get the results you want, safely.”
The chairman of the British Dental Association’s health and science committee, Mick Armstrong, said: “At best, people may be wasting their money buying over-the-counter and electronic teeth whitening products. At-home whitening kits are likely to take longer and be less effective than treatment by the dentist.
“While hydrogen peroxide, as used in dental practices, is the gold standard for teeth whitening, the lack of clarity around the chemicals used in over-the-counter and online products means you could be playing with your teeth. Some online products have been found to contain dangerous chemicals, including toxic or banned substances that can severely burn gums or permanently damage teeth.
“Dentists are trained to look at a patient’s wider health and identify problems, such as gum disease, that affect a person’s suitability for teeth whitening. They also know which whitening products are effective to use and safe for teeth and gums.”
Richard Knight, Specialist Trading Standards Officer at Essex County Council, said: “We urge consumers in England and Wales to report any suspicious cosmetic products or if they have experienced any adverse reactions after using a product to Trading Standards immediately by calling the free Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. In Scotland contact Consumer Advice Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or if you are in Northern Ireland call Consumerline on 0300 123 6262.”
