Unsafe cosmetics

As festival season approaches, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is urging consumers to take extra care when buying neon makeup and face/body paints.

Bright colours and bold looks may be part of the fun, but unsafe cosmetics are never worth the risk.

Neon cosmetics

With demand for neon lipsticks, mascaras, body paints and face paints rising, more consumers may be sourcing their products online.

CTSI is warning that some of these items, particularly those sold by third-party sellers via online marketplaces, may fail to meet essential cosmetic safety standards, meaning they could be harmful to health.
 
Some neon cosmetic products contain colourants that are banned or that are not approved for use on the skin. These ingredients can trigger skin irritation, rashes and allergic reactions, especially around sensitive areas such as the eyes and lips.

‘With festivals becoming ever more popular, we know many people will be looking to experiment with bright, eye‑catching makeup and facepaint. But consumers need to be aware that some neon cosmetics on the market could be unsafe. Toxic ingredients and misleading labels are a real concern, and the risks can be serious. 
 
‘Online marketplaces can be a quick and easy buying option for consumers, but due to many of their products being sold by third-party sellers there is no guarantee that the products are safe to sell in the UK and risk free to those using them. We’re urging everyone to do their research, buy from trusted retailers, and always check the label. A fun festival look should never put your health at risk.’

KERRY NICOL
External affairs manager at CTSI

A major red flag

Non-compliant neon cosmetic products have previously been found to contain dangerous substances, including lead, mercury and asbestos. These ingredients carry serious long‑term health risks and must never appear in cosmetics products.
 
Some products have been found to contain excessive amounts of butylparaben, a known reproductive toxicant that can weaken female fertility. Studies have also linked butylparaben to cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and skeletal health problems, as well as respiratory illnesses and breast cancer.
 
To avoid UK cosmetic safety regulations, some manufacturers misleadingly label items as ‘not for cosmetic use’, despite marketing them clearly for application to the skin. This is a major red flag and indicates a product is unlikely to be safe or compliant.