Rat dropping, urine found in fake beauty products

You may want to double check that beauty product (especially if you aren't sure of the source) as reports coming out of the United Kingdom say that substances such as rat droppings, human urine and arsenic were found in seized goods.

London police showcased seized goods such as make-up and perfume, which in addition to the rat droppings, also had toxic chemicals like arsenic, mercury and cyanide.

BBC reports that the campaign also warned about fake electrical beauty goods that could cause electrocution.

Police said laboratory tests have shown fake perfume often contains poisonous chemicals including cyanide and even human urine, while phony cosmetics like eyeliner, mascara, lip gloss and foundation have been found to contain toxic levels of chemicals and harmful substances like arsenic, mercury and lead.

Expectedly, these substances can cause allergic reactions, such as skin irritation, swelling, rashes and burns as well as leaving the person with longer term health problems.

According to Detective Superintendent Maria Woodall, who oversees the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit at City of London Police, over 5,500 websites selling fake luxury branded goods had been suspended, while over £3.5m worth of phony products had been seized.

She also said customers' payment and personal details had been stolen to make other purchases.

The force said counterfeit beauty products in particular are becoming increasingly common and available on the Internet in the UK and it is estimated that at least £90m is spent every year on fake goods.

Woodall further urged against purchasing fake beauty products saying "if it seems too good to be true then it probably is."