Sale of substandard cosmetics is on the rise in various markets of the city whereas the authorities concerned do not seem to be bothered. These counterfeit cosmetics are sold on roadside carts in Pirwadhai, Raja Bazaar, Faizabad and in other markets of the city.
Vendors offer these items at very low prices as compared to the original items. Unaware of their side effects, and because of their low cost, these fake cosmetics are very popular with the poor.
Manufacturers of many low-cost cosmetics use various chemicals and toxic whitening agents that lead to skin allergies and diseases, including skin cancer.
Many people told Pakistan Today that the use of these cosmetics was harmful for the skin. They said various dangerous chemicals like steroids and mercury ipecac were being used in face-whitening creams which had a bad impact upon the skin and led to skin diseases including skin cancer.
Tahir Amin, a resident of Pirwadhai, said that using the low cost quality of a famous shampoo had caused him permanent hair fall.
A vendor selling cosmetic items near Faizabad bus stop said a large number of people bought these items due to their low cost, as compared to the genuine items. He admitted that these items caused skin-related diseases but said he had no choice as his livelihood was dependent upon this.
People demanded the government take notice of the issue as it was harming the health of the poor citizens of the country. They also demanded that stern action be taken against manufacturers who used toxic materials in the production of these cosmetics.
