When you're shopping for skincare products, the last thing you expect is to discover the ingredient list is written in a language you can't read.
Yet that's exactly what happened to customers of W Cosmetics, prompting an urgent nationwide recall that's raising serious questions about consumer safety.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued an urgent recall for numerous cosmetic and skincare products sold by W Cosmetics because the product labels do not meet the mandatory standard for cosmetics ingredients labelling, with ingredients lists not printed in English.
What products are affected
The recall covers products sold both in-store and online nationally between 1 March 2023 and 12 September 2025. Among the recalled items are eye masks, body creams, and various lotions—everyday products that many of us use without thinking twice about potential risks.
'There is a risk of allergic reaction if consumers are exposed to ingredients they are sensitive or allergic to'
The concern is significant: there's a risk of allergic reaction if consumers are exposed to ingredients they're sensitive or allergic to, and consumers won't be able to check the ingredients list to identify the possible cause and seek appropriate treatment.
This isn't an isolated problem
While this particular recall might seem unusual, cosmetic safety issues are more common than you might think. Between 2011 and 2023, 334 cosmetic dermatology product recalls encompassed over 77 million units globally, indicating that cosmetic recalls have remained common.
Australia has seen similar labelling issues before. In 2017, Daiso recalled various skincare products because they didn't comply with cosmetics regulations and lacked appropriate English language labelling identifying ingredients, potentially exposing users to cosmetic ingredients they were sensitive or allergic to.
Why seniors need to pay special attention
Understanding allergic reactions in cosmetics
Cosmetic allergic reactions can range from mild skin irritation to severe contact dermatitis. As we age, our skin becomes more sensitive and reactions can be more pronounced. Common allergens in cosmetics include fragrances, preservatives, and certain dyes—all of which should be clearly listed in English on Australian products.
For older adults, the stakes are particularly high. Age-related changes in skin sensitivity mean that reactions to cosmetic ingredients can be more severe and take longer to heal.
Additionally, if you're on medications or have existing health conditions, certain cosmetic ingredients could potentially interact with your treatments.
The inability to read ingredient lists isn't just inconvenient—it's a genuine safety hazard. Without being able to check ingredients, consumers cannot identify possible causes of reactions and seek appropriate treatment.
What you need to do right now
If you've purchased W Cosmetics products in the past two and a half years, here's your action plan:
Stop using the product immediately and contact W Cosmetics to arrange a free return and full refund. The process is straightforward:
- W Cosmetics will send a return pre-paid label
- Place the product in a sealed box, apply the label, and drop it off at any Australia Post location
- A full refund will be issued to your original form of payment
You can contact W Cosmetics via email at [email protected] or by calling 0416 699 666.
Understanding your consumer rights
This recall highlights the importance of Australia's consumer protection laws. The recall has been assigned PRA number 2025/20633, and consumers can contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission if they have questions about the remedy being offered or concerns about how the business is managing the recall.
Australia's mandatory cosmetic labelling standards exist for good reason. They ensure you can make informed decisions about what you put on your skin, check for ingredients you know you're allergic to, and seek appropriate medical advice if reactions occur.
Red flags when shopping for cosmetics
- Ingredient lists not in English
- Missing or unclear product information
- No Australian business contact details
- Claims that seem too good to be true
- Products significantly cheaper than similar branded items
The bigger picture: A growing business under scrutiny
The original article mentioned that W Cosmetics was founded 11 years ago and generates $200 million in annual revenue with 38 retail stores. However, the founder's identity appears to be somewhat mysterious—the article noted that staff members weren't even aware of who their boss was when approached by media.
Moving forward: What this means for cosmetic shopping
This recall should serve as a wake-up call for all consumers, particularly older Australians who may be more vulnerable to adverse reactions. When shopping for cosmetics and skincare products, take these precautions:
Always check that ingredient lists are in English and clearly readable. If you're shopping online, make sure the seller provides proper product information and has a clear returns policy. Be wary of unusually cheap products or sellers who can't provide Australian contact details.
The ACCC has announced that unsafe products in online marketplaces will be a major focus of their product safety priorities during 2025-26, suggesting we can expect more scrutiny of cosmetic safety in the coming year.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Australia requires all cosmetic products to have ingredients listed in English under the Trade Practices (Consumer Product Information Standards)(Cosmetics) Regulations. This law exists specifically to prevent the kind of safety issues we're seeing with this W Cosmetics recall.
Taking action for your safety
The most important message from this recall is simple: your safety comes first. If you can't read what's in a product, don't use it. If you experience any reaction to a cosmetic product, stop using it immediately and consult your healthcare provider.
The ACCC encourages consumers to sign up for product safety recall notifications, where you can choose the types of products you want to find out about. This can be particularly valuable for staying informed about potential issues before they affect you.
Remember, legitimate businesses want to keep their customers safe and will work with regulators to resolve safety issues promptly. Companies that can't or won't provide clear product information in English should be avoided entirely.
What This Means For You
This W Cosmetics recall might seem like just another news story, but it's actually an important reminder about the vigilance we all need to maintain as consumers. Your health and safety are worth far more than any potential savings on beauty products.
Have you ever encountered cosmetic products with unclear or foreign-language labelling? What steps do you take to ensure the beauty products you use are safe? Share your experiences and tips with fellow readers in the comments below.
Original Article
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...tml?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
Various Cosmetic and skincare products sold by W Cosmetics | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: See a list of details to help identify the product · The product labels do not meet the mandatory standard for cosmetics ingredients labelling. The in...
Excerpt: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued an urgent recall for numerous cosmetic and skincare products sold by W Cosmetics because the product labels do not meet the mandatory standard for cosmetics ingredients…
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/se...tic-and-skincare-products-sold-by-w-cosmetics
Various Cosmetic and skincare products sold by W Cosmetics | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: W Cosmetics, in store and online · Photos of recalled products.pdf 1.83 MB · Product list.pdf 311.48 KB · See product list · 1 March 2023—12 Septemb...
Excerpt: The recall covers products sold both in-store and online nationally between 1 March 2023 and 12 September 2025.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/se...tic-and-skincare-products-sold-by-w-cosmetics
Various Cosmetic and skincare products sold by W Cosmetics | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: There is a risk of allergic reaction if consumers are exposed to ingredients they are sensitive or allergic to. Consumers will not be able to check th...
Excerpt: The concern is significant: there's a risk of allergic reaction if consumers are exposed to ingredients they're sensitive or allergic to, and consumers won't be able to check the ingredients list to identify the possible cause and seek…
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/se...tic-and-skincare-products-sold-by-w-cosmetics
US Food and Drug Administration recalls of cosmetic and personal products from 2011 to 2023: A cross-sectional study—Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Cited text: Between 2011 and 2023, 334 cosmetic dermatology product recalls encompassed 77,135,700 units (Table I).
Excerpt: Between 2011 and 2023, 334 cosmetic dermatology product recalls encompassed over 77 million units globally, indicating that cosmetic recalls have remained common.
https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(24)02898-6/fulltext
US Food and Drug Administration recalls of cosmetic and personal products from 2011 to 2023: A cross-sectional study—Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Cited text: Over 77 million units of cosmetic dermatology products were recalled from 2011 to 2023, indicating that cosmetic recalls have remained common.4 MoCRA’...
Excerpt: Between 2011 and 2023, 334 cosmetic dermatology product recalls encompassed over 77 million units globally, indicating that cosmetic recalls have remained common.
https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(24)02898-6/fulltext
Skincare Products | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: Assorted skincare products sold between 22 April 2013 and 20 December 2013 Espoleur Hand Cream (Cherry Blossom and Lemon Grass) sold between 10 March ...
Excerpt: In 2017, Daiso recalled various skincare products because they didn't comply with cosmetics regulations and lacked appropriate English language labelling identifying ingredients, potentially exposing users to cosmetic ingredients they were…
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/search-consumer-product-recalls/skincare-products
Various Cosmetic and skincare products sold by W Cosmetics | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: Consumers will not be able to check the ingredients list to identify the possible cause and seek appropriate treatment.
Excerpt: Without being able to check ingredients, consumers cannot identify possible causes of reactions and seek appropriate treatment.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/se...tic-and-skincare-products-sold-by-w-cosmetics
Various Cosmetic and skincare products sold by W Cosmetics | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: Stop using the product immediately. Contact W Cosmetics to arrange a free return and a full refund.
Excerpt: Stop using the product immediately and contact W Cosmetics to arrange a free return and full refund.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/se...tic-and-skincare-products-sold-by-w-cosmetics
Various Cosmetic and skincare products sold by W Cosmetics | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: W Cosmetics will send a return pre-paid label.
Excerpt: W Cosmetics will send a return pre-paid label
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/se...tic-and-skincare-products-sold-by-w-cosmetics
Various Cosmetic and skincare products sold by W Cosmetics | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: Place the product in a sealed box, apply the label, and drop it off at any Australia Post location.
Excerpt: Place the product in a sealed box, apply the label, and drop it off at any Australia Post location
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/se...tic-and-skincare-products-sold-by-w-cosmetics
Various Cosmetic and skincare products sold by W Cosmetics | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: A full refund will be issued to your original form of payment.
Excerpt: A full refund will be issued to your original form of payment
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/se...tic-and-skincare-products-sold-by-w-cosmetics
Various Cosmetic and skincare products sold by W Cosmetics | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: W Cosmetics email: [email protected] call: 0416 699 666 visit: https://www.wcosmetics.com.au/ ... Regulators are established or appointed by govern...
Excerpt: You can contact W Cosmetics via email at [email protected] or by calling 0416 699 666.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/se...tic-and-skincare-products-sold-by-w-cosmetics
Various Cosmetic and skincare products sold by W Cosmetics | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: Quote PRA number 2025/20633 when contacting a regulator about this recall. Contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission if you have: a q...
Excerpt: The recall has been assigned PRA number 2025/20633, and consumers can contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission if they have questions about the remedy being offered or concerns about how the business is managing the…
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/se...tic-and-skincare-products-sold-by-w-cosmetics
Home | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: Unsafe products in online marketplaces will be a major focus of the ACCC’s product safety priorities during 2025-26, ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb ann...
Excerpt: The ACCC has announced that unsafe products in online marketplaces will be a major focus of their product safety priorities during 2025-26
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/
Home | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: ... Be the first to learn about consumer product safety recalls and changes to product safety rules. You can choose the types of products you want to ...
Excerpt: The ACCC encourages consumers to sign up for product safety recall notifications, where you can choose the types of products you want to find out about.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/
Seniors Discount Club
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