Horse urine perfume: why online bargains may be dangerous

Horse urine perfume: why online bargains may be dangerous

Consumers seeking budget-friendly deals online face the risk of purchasing counterfeit goods, some of which contain harmful substances like horse urine. This has raised alarms as the illegal trade in fakes continues to fuel organized criminal networks. Influencers have also played a role in popularizing counterfeit products, drawing younger buyers to cheaper alternatives. Despite this, consumer advocates warn that not all online products are harmless, with items such as balloons and chargers posing serious safety threats.

The Cost of Cheap Wins

As living costs climb due to the ripple effects of the Iran war, people are turning to the internet for affordable purchases. While genuine bargains exist, counterfeit goods often slip through the cracks, endangering both children and adults. A BBC investigation revealed counterfeit items in Swansea’s former holding cells, including Labubus toys with detachable eyes that could cause choking and Super Mario products laced with chemicals in their suction cups.

“Cosmetics and perfume, when we had some tested, have had horse urine in them so you don’t want to be putting that on your skin,” said Helen Barnham, head of enforcement campaigns at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

The IPO highlighted that the surge in online shopping has created new avenues for counterfeit sellers. “Most of the public are quite attracted to them but particularly younger people because they are always looking for something that is low-cost,” Barnham added. The rise of social media and e-commerce platforms has made it easier for buyers to find these products, even if they aren’t aware of the risks.

Risky Goods Beyond Perfume

Consumer groups have long pointed out that substandard products frequently bypass safety checks, making their way into the UK market. For example, extendable ladders purchased online were found to fail critical tests, snapping suddenly and causing injuries. Similarly, toys from overseas sometimes violate strict UK safety standards, according to Kerri Atherton of the British Toy and Hobby Association.

“When they fail, they fail catastrophically. They basically snap,” said Peter Bennett, executive director of The Ladder Association.

Investigations by Which? have uncovered a range of hazardous items, including energy-saving plugs that risk electrical shocks and baby sleeping bags that could lead to suffocation. Inga Becker-Hansen from the British Retail Consortium emphasized that while platforms are removing unsafe goods, the responsibility for consumer safety spans the entire supply chain.

Legislative Steps to Address the Crisis

Last year, the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 was enacted to combat dangerous online products. Now, the government is finalizing secondary regulations that will define enforcement mechanisms and penalties under the law. Consumer protection minister Kate Dearden stated: “These reforms are about making our product safety system fit for the modern world – shutting loopholes, clamping down on unsafe sales, and giving responsible businesses the certainty they need to grow.”