LoginThe Cost of Beauty - 2025
May 2025 : The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has launched a renewed campaign to warn consumers about the potential dangers of using certain illegal and unsafe cosmetic products.
Arm yourself with the facts!
Join Our Campaign : #CostofBeauty
With more people opting to save money by doing their cosmetic treatments at home, CTSI is spotlighting the serious - even life-altering - effects that can happen when opting for illegal products, or when products are not administered by a trained professional.
We know that professional salon services can be very pricey. So, of course, it can be incredibly tempting to take matters into your own hands. However, attempting any of these treatments at home with unregulated, potentially dangerous products is simply not worth the risk to your health and safety.
We've focused on three key areas :
1. EYELASHES - Unsafe "At-Home" Lash Lift and Tint Kits
2. NAILS - Risky Nail Adhesives
3. NASAL TANNING - Unregulated Nasal Tanning Products
REMEMBER : Just because it is for sale, it doesn't mean it’s safe!
1. EYELASHES : Keep an Eye on Safety!
“At-home” lash lift and tint kits have become more popular but they come with serious risks. These products should only be applied by salon professionals and they should not be used at home.
The kits contain strong chemicals – like perming solutions and dyes – that can cause irritation and allergic reactions to the skin or eyes, which could lead to redness, itching, and swelling. If these chemicals should come into contact with the eye, they can cause corneal burns, severe irritation, or infection that could result in lasting damage.
Additionally, overusing lash lifts can weaken your natural lashes over time, making them more prone to break or shed. Without the correct professional hygiene standards, the risk of developing infections – such as conjunctivitis – rises.
CTSI urges you to:
- Only have “at-home” kits applied by professionals
- Consider alternatives, including mascara or lash extensions from a train technician; and
- Avoid overuse to not weaken your lashes
Our downloadable resources :
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- FACTSHEET : EYELASH LIFT AND TINT KITS
- Downloadable image : Eyelash Kits (#01) - Trust the Professionals
- Downloadable image : Eyelash Kits (#02) - Keep an Eye on Safety
- Downloadable image : Eyelash Kits (#03) - Get the Right Reaction
- Video - Eyelash lift and tint
- Arabic translation - Eyelash Kits
- Punjabi translation - Eyelash Kits
- Urdu translation - Eyelash Kits
- Welsh translation - Eyelash Kits
2. NAILS : Don't Come Unstuck
Nail adhesives, or nail glue, are commonly used to apply artificial nails or nail art. They are readily available but come with health and safety risks, particularly if they are not used properly.
Nail adhesives often contain ethyl cyanoacrylate or other acrylates, which may cause skin irritation, redness, blistering, or allergic reactions. The fumes from the adhesives car irritate the respiratory system, including headaches, throat irritation, and dizziness. If nail adhesives make contact with your eye, it can cause severe injuries.
Additionally, repeated use of nail adhesives can weaken your natural nails, making them more brittle, prone to peeling, and more likely to split. Peeling glued nails off can cause permanent damage to the nail plate. Applying nail adhesives to damaged nails, or incorrect application that traps moisture beneath the artificial nails, can cause bacterial or fungal infections.
CTSI urges you to:
- Buy nail adhesives from a reputable source
- Apply in a well-ventilated application to reduce respiratory issues
- Correctly following instructions upon removal
- Perform a patch test to check for sensitivity or allergies
- Use nail adhesives sparingly and ensure no adhesive leaks onto the skin around the nails
- Safely store nail adhesives to avoid accidental spillages
Our downloadable resources :
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- FACTSHEET : Nail Adhesive
- Downloadable image : Nail Adhesive (#01) - Don't Come Unstuck
- Downloadable image : Nail Adhesive (#02) - Looking Good and Staying Safe? Nailed It
- Downloadable image : Nail Adhesive (#03) - Safer Nails at the Tips of Your Fingers
- Video - Nail Glue
- Arabic translation - Nail Adhesive
- Punjabi translation - Nail Adhesive
- Urdu translation - Nail Adhesive
- Welsh translation - Nail Adhesive
3. NASAL TANNING : Say "No Way" to the Spray
Nasal tanning sprays, or nasal tanners, promise an all-over tan without sun exposure. However, they are unregulated, can be unsafe, and contain potentially risky substances like Melanotan 2.
As nasal tanning sprays are not considered medicines or medical devices, they are not subject to any safety pre-approval, official oversight, production control, or post-marketing surveillance. They are often sold on unregulated online platforms, where the consumer may not be aware of the risks.
Many nasal sprays contain the synthetic hormone Melanotan 2, which has reported side effects of nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, and a possible link to skin cancer. Inhaling sprays can also irritate the respiratory tract, potentially causing coughing, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Repeated use could lead to chronic respiratory issues.
CTSI urges you to:
- AVOID NASAL TANNERS ENTIRELY
- Understand the risks of buying products online
- Consider healthier, safer alternatives
- Wearing sunscreen when spending time outdoors
- Seek medical advice before using unregulated substances, like Melanotan 2
Our downloadable resources :
