PHILADELPHIA — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers warn consumers of the serious health threats posed by knockoff cosmetics after officers recently seized four shipments of counterfeit brand name anti-aging facial cream in Allentown, Pa.
Collectively, the four shipments of counterfeit cosmetics were valued at $28,550, had the cosmetics been genuine.
According to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, some counterfeit cosmetics contain chemicals known to cause cancer, acne, eczema, and other health issues. Various levels of urine and other dangerous substances have also been found in counterfeit cosmetics.
On March 1, CBP officers seized 60 boxes of counterfeit Estee Lauder Resilience Multi-Effect Moisturizer Tri-Peptide Face and Neck Crème shipped from Hong Kong to an address in Allentown. This shipment of luxury brand facial cream was valued at $8,400, had the facial cream been genuine.
