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Worried about the spread of dangerous fake cosmetics? Check out this complete guide on how to distinguish between original and fake products so you don’t get fooled and stay safe!
Buying beauty products is fun, but we have to be extra careful these days. Unfortunately, the more popular a brand is, the more irresponsible people try to make counterfeit versions. These fake cosmetics are often sold at much cheaper prices and packaged to look almost identical, making them hard to tell apart with the naked eye.
The danger isn’t just that they don’t work well, but the harmful chemicals inside can damage your skin, cause severe irritation, breakouts, and even lead to long-term health problems.
Let’s dive into this complete guide on how to spot the difference between original and fake cosmetics so you don’t become a victim!
Check the Packaging Quality
The first thing you can observe is the container or wrapper. Although they might look similar, there are usually small details that differ.
1. Color and Design
– Original: The colors on the packaging look sharp, clear, and match the official website images. The text and logos are printed neatly, not blurry, and do not fade easily.
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– Fake: There are often slight differences in color (e.g., paler or darker). Sometimes there are spelling mistakes or uneven spacing between letters.
2. Material and Texture
– Original: The plastic or paper material feels thick, sturdy, and high quality. Bottle caps or seals fit tightly and precisely.
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– Fake: The packaging material often feels thin, cheap, or easily dented. The smell of the paper or plastic might also be strong and unpleasant.
3. Stickers and Seals
Many authentic products have special stickers like holograms, BPOM stickers, or security seals.
– Check if the sticker is attached neatly or looks like it was stuck on carelessly. On fake products, the BPOM logo is sometimes just a fake image printed directly on the box, not an actual sticker.
Check the Batch Code and Expiry Date
This is a very effective way to verify authenticity.
– Printing Quality: On original products, the expiration date and batch code are usually printed clearly or embossed (raised) directly onto the container.
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– Consistency: Make sure the date on the outer packaging matches exactly with the date on the inner container (bottle/tube). If the numbers are different, it is most likely fake.
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– Check Online: Some beauty brands provide a batch code checker on their official website. You can enter the code to see if it is registered.
Pay Attention to Price and Place of Purchase
Price is usually the clearest indicator. Remember the saying: “You get what you pay for.”
– Unrealistic Prices: If a store sells products for half the price or way below the market standard, you should be suspicious. Big brands usually have stable price standards and don’t fluctuate drastically.
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– Place of Purchase: Avoid buying from untrusted sources, such as street vendors, flea markets, or unverified social media accounts. It is safer to buy from Official Stores on marketplaces, authorized retailers, or trusted department stores.
Smell, Texture, and Performance
Once opened, you can feel the difference directly.
1. Scent
– Original: Has the brand’s signature scent, usually pleasant or smells like specific active ingredients, and is not overpowering.
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– Fake: Often smells strange, like strong alcohol, harsh chemicals, musty, or sometimes has no smell at all.
2. Texture and Consistency
– Original: The texture is just right—not too runny nor too hard. It absorbs or blends well.
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– Fake: The texture is often unstable. It might be too watery, lumpy, or separated (oil and water layers). When applied, it feels heavy or unusually sticky.
3. Results
– Original: Usually works as claimed. For example, foundation covers well or lipstick lasts long.
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– Fake: The results are often disappointing. Foundation might crack easily, lipstick fades quickly, or skincare does nothing and even causes itching.
Must Check: BPOM Registration Number
This is the most important and accurate step. Legal and original cosmetics must be registered and have a distribution permit number from the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM).
How to check:
1. Look for “BPOM RI MD” or “NA” along with the numeric code on the packaging.
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2. Download the BPOM Mobile app or check via the official BPOM website.
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3. Enter the registration number.
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4. If the data matches the product name, company name, and packaging, it is safe. If not found or the data is different, stop using it immediately!
Your skin health is precious, so don’t be tempted by cheap prices but risk using dangerous fake goods. Be thorough before buying, and always prioritize safety over low costs.
Hope this guide helps protect you from scams! Stay beautiful safely and healthily.