A large informal trade in cosmetics and personal care products is growing in city markets and street stalls across Latin America. Many items are sold without labels, warnings or health registration. Researchers have found arsenic, mercury, lead and other metals in lipsticks, eyeshadows, nail polish, skin lighteners and hair products.
El Cercado in downtown Lima is a visible example: hundreds of people buy and resell cosmetics there. A vendor asked, “Do you want quality or price?” and another said they earn about 5,000 soles a day from several stalls. Clandestine laboratories making cosmetics by hand have also multiplied.
Authorities and health experts have acted. In July 2025 Peruvian officials seized nearly two tonnes of counterfeit cosmetics. Rumi Cabrera of Peru’s Ministry of Health warned that unknown substances can cause itching, allergies, hair loss and other serious health problems. Researchers say dermal absorption can carry toxins into the bloodstream.
Difficult words
- cosmetics — Products used to enhance appearance.
- toxic — Harmful or poisonous to health.
- heavy — Having great weight, often dangerous.
- regulation — Rules to control activities or products.
- labeling — Adding information on a product.
- irritation — A painful or uncomfortable reaction.irritations
- arsenic — A toxic chemical often found in harmful products.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What steps can consumers take to stay safe while buying cosmetics?
- How can regulations improve the safety of cosmetics in informal markets?
- Why do you think people still buy these unsafe products?
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