Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Health Department’s campaign against fake and unsafe cosmetics—Operation Soundarya—has received clearance from the court. The initiative, led by the state’s Drugs Control Department, is to ensure the beauty and skincare products sold across the state meet basic safety and quality standards.
Recently, a Taliparamba , Kannur-based company named Hazar Hazar Trading LLP was found guilty of selling fake beauty products. In another case, Gulfy Shop in Payyannur was also found guilty. The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court ordered each of the two accused to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000.
Operation Soundarya was launched in 2023 to curb the illegal sale of fake or dangerous beauty products. The department’s inspections have found a shocking range of products that are not only unauthorised but sometimes outright harmful.
In the first two phases of the operation, the investigation officers seized cosmetics worth over Rs. 7 lakh, many of which were either fake, lacked proper labels, or were manufactured in violation of safety laws.
Among the most alarming finds were lipsticks and face creams laced with mercury—in some cases, up to 12,000 times the permitted levels. Long-term use of such products can lead to serious health conditions including kidney failure, nerve damage, and other systemic illnesses.
In another instance, a perfume named “Karisma Perfume” was found to contain 95% methyl alcohol, a toxic and potentially fatal ingredient. Methyl alcohol is classified as a poison under Kerala’s laws, and its use in personal care products is strictly prohibited.
Following these investigations, Minister Veena George ordered intensified inspections across the state. The third phase saw inspections in 101 establishments, focusing on items like lipstick, face cream, baby powder, soap, and oil. Substandard products worth ₹1.5 lakh were seized, and 59 samples collected for further testing. Cases have been filed against 12 businesses for missing licenses or violating the Cosmetics Rules 2020
The Health Department has also called on the public to stay alert. The minister urged consumers to read product labels carefully, verify manufacturing and licensing information, and avoid buying products from suspicious or unverified outlets.
The department has set up a toll-free helpline (1800 425 3182) where people can file complaints or tip-offs about questionable beauty products or stores.
