Horse urine perfume: why online bargains may be dangerous

The Hidden Dangers of Online Shopping

As the cost of living climbs, consumers are increasingly turning to online marketplaces for affordable goods. However, this trend has raised concerns about the prevalence of counterfeit products, some of which pose serious health risks. A recent case highlighted the sale of perfumes laced with horse urine, sparking alarm about the safety of cheaply made items.

A Growing Concern

Consumer advocacy groups warn that online platforms are not just selling fake goods but also hazardous products. From balloons to chargers, these items can endanger users, particularly children. The rise of social media influencers has further amplified the appeal of low-cost products, drawing younger buyers into the market.

“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, which oversees intellectual property, noted that the surge in e-commerce has provided criminals with an easier way to distribute counterfeit goods. In Swansea, trading standards officers seized stacks of fake items from former holding cells, revealing products like Labubus toys with detachable eyes that could cause choking, and Super Mario figurines containing harmful chemicals in their suction cups.

While genuine deals exist, experts caution that counterfeit products often bypass safety standards. For example, K-Pop Demon Hunters dolls are not only fake but also faulty, potentially leading to injuries. Similarly, counterfeit Crocs and Pandora jewelry can appear authentic until opened.

Supply Chain Responsibility

Online platforms claim they are actively removing unsafe and fake products, but Inga Becker-Hansen of the British Retail Consortium emphasized that accountability spans the entire supply chain. Manufacturers, importers, and sellers all share the duty to ensure product safety, she said.

“The availability of them through social media and online marketplaces makes it easier to find the products they are looking for,” said Barnham.

Testing by The Ladder Association found that all extendable telescopic ladders purchased online failed safety inspections, snapping unexpectedly. Kerri Atherton of the British Toy and Hobby Association also expressed worries about substandard toys from overseas that would not meet UK safety requirements.

Legislative Reforms

Last year, the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 was enacted to target dangerous goods sold online. Now, the government is consulting on secondary rules to define enforcement mechanisms and penalties. Consumer protection minister Kate Dearden described the reforms as a step toward modernizing product safety systems, closing loopholes, and ensuring businesses can operate confidently.

With bills rising due to the ongoing Iran conflict, the pressure to find budget-friendly options has only intensified. While online shopping offers convenience, it also risks exposing consumers to unsafe or fraudulent items unless stricter oversight is implemented.