Horse urine perfume: why online bargains may be dangerous

Horse Urine Perfume: Why Online Bargains May Be Dangerous

Consumers seeking affordable deals online risk encountering counterfeit items, with some products even containing horse urine. The rise of e-commerce has enabled criminal networks to sell unsafe goods, including perfumes tainted with animal waste. As the cost of living continues to climb due to the economic ripple effects of the Iran conflict, more people are turning to online marketplaces for budget-friendly purchases.

Fakes Fuel Organised Crime

The illicit trade in counterfeit goods is financing criminal activities, with examples like perfume laced with horse urine highlighting the potential hazards. Influencers have also played a role in promoting these items, drawing younger buyers toward low-cost alternatives. Consumer advocates warn that beyond fakes, a range of unsafe products—from balloons to chargers—are slipping through the cracks of digital sales platforms.

“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 government is introducing new laws to hold online retailers to the same standards as traditional stores. Major platforms claim they are actively removing counterfeit and hazardous goods, yet the surge in online shopping has created new opportunities for unscrupulous sellers. The IPO reports that the expansion of e-commerce has made it easier for criminals to distribute fake products, often bypassing safety checks.

Choking Hazards and Chemical Risks

Behind the walls of Swansea’s former holding cells, trading standards officers revealed stacks of counterfeit goods. Items like Labubus toys with detachable eyes pose choking risks, while Super Mario figures contain dangerous chemicals in their suction cups. K-Pop Demon Hunters dolls, though visually appealing, are both faulty and potentially unsafe. Other deceptive products, such as counterfeit Crocs and Pandora jewelry, mimic genuine items until the packaging is opened.

“When they fail, they fail catastrophically. They basically snap,” said Peter Bennett, executive director of The Ladder Association, referring to extendable telescopic ladders that failed safety tests.

Kerri Atherton of the British Toy and Hobby Association expressed concern over substandard toys entering the UK market. These items, often made overseas, would not meet strict UK safety regulations. Investigations by Which? have uncovered a variety of risky products, including energy-saving plugs that can ignite fires and baby sleeping bags linked to suffocation risks.

“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. “However, the responsibility for consumer safety sits with the whole supply chain—from manufacturers and importers through to online marketplaces.”

Last year, the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 was enacted to address unsafe products sold online. Now, the government is consulting on secondary legislation to define enforcement powers 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.”