JEDDAH — Experts have warned women against purchasing cheap makeup and beauty products from thrift shops. The vice-president of the Saudi Society for Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery Dr. Ali Al-Raddadi said counterfeit beauty and makeup products such as lipsticks, eyeliners and blushers were harmful for the skin. He said: “Most young women are buying cheap makeup from thrift shops were everything is sold for SR2. “The problem with these products is that they contain potentially harmful chemicals. “Some of these chemicals can damage the skin and cause skin mutations and cancer on sensitive and oily skin.” He also said these products were not only cheap but also available in wide varieties without any government regulation. “The consumers are unaware of the health ramifications of the products and the government is not intervening to pull these products out from the market,” said Al-Raddadi. Consultant and optometrist Dr. Yasser Al-Mazroui said he has treated many women with eye infections caused by the use of counterfeit and cheap eyeliners. He said: “Cheap eyeliners contain lead and bacteria, making them medically harmful to use. “Women should buy brand names and known products when it comes to makeup. “Legitimate makeup products are tested and examined while cheap products can be poisonous.” He added the authorities should interfere and seize counterfeit makeup products, especially eyeliners that are sold for under SR2. Dr. Mansour Al-Tubaiqi said cheap makeup products contain chemicals that can potentially cause cancer. “Products containing dioxin, dye, triethanolamine and nitrates preservatives can cause skin cancer. “The problem is most consumers are unaware because cheap products do not list their chemical ingredients.” Dermatologist Dr. Haitham Shawli said these products do not only cause cancer but can also be fatal to users with certain skin conditions. “Women who can't afford to buy branded makeup products will definitely resort to counterfeit products. “These counterfeit products contain harmful preservatives to extend its lifespan. “What consumers don't know is these chemicals can shorten their own expiration dates in return.” He added that government and other authorities should intervene and ban all counterfeit makeup products.
