Healthy living

Buying make up and skin products online

  • Understand the risks of buying make up and skin products (cosmetics) online.
  • Know what ingredients are in your cosmetics.
  • Cosmetics such as eye liners, eye shadows, mascaras, foundations, skin whitening creams, anti-aging products and lipsticks purchased outside Australia may contain unsafe levels of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic.

If you are planning to purchase cosmetic products for personal use (not commercial use) from online suppliers you should be confident about what is in the product.

Know the potential health risks associated with cosmetics from countries outside of Australia where manufacturing may be unregulated.

Purchasing cosmetics online made from outside Australia
Purchasing cosmetics made in or imported to Australia
What to do before you purchase cosmetic products online
What to do if you suspect a cosmetic product contains unsafe ingredients

More information

Environmental Health Directorate

Phone: 9222 2000
Email: DOH.Chemicalhazards@health.wa.gov.au


Last reviewed: 21-12-2022
Acknowledgements

Environmental Health


This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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