Cosmetics: The Dangers of Counterfeiting
“Beauty products are supposed to make you look good, provide a pleasant fragrance… In short, they should be beneficial for you! However, some can be harmful, especially if you come across imitations flooding the beauty market. Easily accessible and inexpensive, counterfeits are increasingly attracting consumers. Yet, they pose a significant health risk.”
When it comes to luxury products available to the general public, there is a wide range of choices, especially in cosmetics. Sometimes, due to budget constraints, many are tempted to buy counterfeits despite the dangers they pose.
What Is a Counterfeit Product?
In general, all brands are imitated and counterfeited. Counterfeits are copies of well-known products. All sectors are affected by the “fake” market, especially parapharmaceuticals and perfumery. This constantly evolving phenomenon continually challenges the luxury sector. It’s evident that counterfeit products do not adhere to legal standards. This is because their components are of poor quality and harmful to health. Note that common counterfeit products on the market include cigarettes, clothing, sunglasses, perfumes, toothpaste, soaps, makeup, and more.
For some mascaras, eyeliners, or glosses, studies have shown the presence of toxic levels of mercury, arsenic, or lead. Some fragrances are said to contain traces of rat feces and urine. It’s also rumored that some toothpaste is made from automobile antifreeze. Fake cigarettes can contain wood, dead insects, or toxic substances. Additionally, they may have a higher than normal nicotine content and a significant amount of heavy metals. All of this can worsen the health risks associated with tobacco consumption.
How to Recognize Imitated Cosmetics?
Currently, beauty products flood stores and markets, giving rise to fraud and imitation. The rise of online shopping doesn’t make things any easier. Therefore, it’s necessary to always be cautious.
Thoroughly Research Where Products Are Sold
If you want to buy a product for your body or face, first research the brand. Avoid buying from unlicensed stores. If you’re abroad, only buy from official stores. Online, only place orders on reputable merchant websites.
Check the Product Quality
Counterfeit products can be recognized by their poor quality. To avoid unpleasant surprises, carefully examine details such as finishes, components, or paint. Additionally, the packaging can sometimes expose counterfeiters: typographical or spelling errors, differences in color compared to the original version, and more. Counterfeit creams, lotions, and perfumes can be distinguished by their scent and consistency.
Compare Prices and Stay Alert
Above all, don’t be fooled by abnormally low and unrealistic costs offered by counterfeiters! Also, compare the prices of beauty products displayed in official stores to those you want to buy. If there is a significant difference, it’s likely an imitation! To prove your purchase, demand invoices signed by the seller.
Carefully Examine the Certificate of Authenticity
To ensure that the cosmetics you are buying are not a copy, ask for control numbers or a certificate of authenticity. Besides the price, an authentic product is always delivered in quality packaging. Therefore, before making the payment, carefully examine the printing on the packaging.
Risks Posed by Counterfeit Beauty Products
First and foremost, the buyer of imitated cosmetics puts their own health at risk. Indeed, such a product can be very risky for the skin and exposes the consumer to allergies. This is because these products have undergone no dermatological analysis. Additionally, their labeling does not contain information about allergens. However, registering allergenic substances on the packaging of beauty products is mandatory.
Counterfeit product production can be carried out by inexperienced labor. Their manufacturing process also does not adhere to health regulations. Finally, the buyer who purchases such a product also commits a criminal offense. They may therefore face financial penalties and a heavy prison sentence.
