Horse urine perfume: why online bargains may be dangerous

Horse Urine Perfume: Why Online Bargains May Be Dangerous

As consumers seek cost-effective solutions, the rise of online shopping has created opportunities for counterfeit products to infiltrate the market. Among the most alarming cases is the discovery of perfumes containing horse urine, which has raised concerns about their safety for use on the skin. The illegal counterfeit trade not only supports organized crime but also poses risks to everyday users, particularly children and vulnerable individuals.

The government is introducing new regulations to hold online retailers to the same safety standards as traditional brick-and-mortar stores. This follows reports of unsafe items, including hazardous toys and electrical goods, being sold through digital platforms. Influencers have played a role in popularizing these products, drawing younger buyers to low-cost alternatives. Despite efforts by major platforms to remove counterfeit goods, the challenge persists as bills climb and cost-of-living pressures intensify.

Case Studies from the Frontlines

During a visit to Swansea, the BBC uncovered stacks of fake products in former holding cells, highlighting the scale of the issue. Items like Labubus toys with detachable eyes present choking hazards, while a Super Mario toy contains harmful chemicals in its suction cup. K-Pop Demon Hunters dolls, though appealing, are found to be faulty and potentially unsafe. Meanwhile, counterfeit Crocs are hidden in plain sight, and Pandora jewelry appears genuine until the box is opened.

“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’s research underscores how the growth of online retail has enabled criminals to exploit new sales channels. Barnham noted that younger consumers, especially, are drawn to these products due to their affordability. However, the lack of rigorous safety checks on many online items has led to dangerous outcomes, such as extendable ladders that snap unexpectedly, as revealed by The Ladder Association’s testing.

Risks Beyond the Surface

Consumer groups have long warned about the dangers of substandard goods entering the market through digital platforms. While these items may not be exact replicas of originals, they still carry similar risks. For instance, toys from overseas often bypass strict UK safety regulations, as highlighted by Kerri Atherton of the British Toy and Hobby Association. Investigations by Which? have identified energy-saving plugs that cause fires and baby sleeping bags that pose suffocation threats.

“Major online platforms are working hard to protect customers by removing unsafe and counterfeit goods from sale,” said Inga Becker-Hansen, product safety policy adviser at the British Retail Consortium.

Becker-Hansen emphasized that responsibility for consumer safety spans the entire supply chain, from manufacturers to online sellers. Last year, the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 was enacted to tackle the sale of dangerous products online. Now, the government is refining the details of secondary legislation to enforce penalties and ensure compliance. 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.”