Product safety reportOPSS
Christmas Spirit Eyeshadow Palette safety warning over a banned ingredient
Product Safety Report for Christmas Spirit Eyeshadow Palette presenting a serious chemical risk.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice
What to do now
The issue with Christmas Spirit Eyeshadow Palette is a prohibited ingredient, of a kind often found in illegal skin-lightening and imported cosmetics.
- Stop using it now.
- Gently wash off any product left on the skin.
- This is a safety report rather than a manufacturer recall: the listing has been taken down, but the seller may not contact you. Get in touch with the seller through the marketplace.
- If you cannot reach the seller, Trading Standards can be told through Citizens Advice.
Why it matters. Substances such as hydroquinone, mercury and some steroids can damage the skin and, with long-term use, other organs. They are only allowed in prescription medicines, if at all.
If someone has been hurt
Look out for
- redness, burning, thinning or discolouration of the skin
- a rash
Get help urgently
- if you have used it for a long time, or have skin damage, speak to your GP or a pharmacist
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Getting your money back
Contact the seller through your order history and say that the product is the subject of an OPSS safety report. Keep screenshots of the listing and your order.
If the seller does not respond, the marketplace’s own dispute process or your card provider is the next step.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2404-0168). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Christmas Spirit Eyeshadow Palette presenting a serious chemical risk.
The risk
The product presents a serious chemical risk due to the presence of excess concentrations of heavy metals. The eyeshadow powders were measured as containing 120 mg/kg of antimony and 226 mg/kg of Chromium. Chromium is prohibited for use in cosmetic products and can be harmful to human health. Further information on chromium can be accessed on Gov.uk at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/chromium-general-information-incident-management-and-toxicology/chromium-general-information .
The product requires improvements to marking and labelling.
The product does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 or the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013.
Action taken
The products have been withdrawn from the market and destroyed.
Advice to consumers
The product has been withdrawn from the market and destroyed.
The listing has been removed by the online marketplace (Alibaba).
Additional information
PSD number: 2404-0168
Notified by: Northern Ireland Environmental Health
Product description
Eyeshadow palette with six Christmas-themed powders.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Christmas Spirit Eyeshadow Palette been reported?
The issue with Christmas Spirit Eyeshadow Palette is a prohibited ingredient, of a kind often found in illegal skin-lightening and imported cosmetics. Substances such as hydroquinone, mercury and some steroids can damage the skin and, with long-term use, other organs. They are only allowed in prescription medicines, if at all.
How do I know if my product is affected?
The notice describes the affected product rather than listing codes. Compare the product name, pack size and where you bought it with the official notice.
What should I do now?
Stop using it now. Gently wash off any product left on the skin.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
Contact the seller through your order history and say that the product is the subject of an OPSS safety report. Keep screenshots of the listing and your order. If the seller does not respond, the marketplace’s own dispute process or your card provider is the next step.
