Counterfeiting in Cosmetics
With the widespread use of the internet, one of the sectors that quickly adapted to the accelerating process of digitization is the cosmetics industry. Of course, counterfeiters who sell imitations of cosmetic brands also kept pace with this development and moved their products to online platforms. In the cosmetics industry, which has a market size of millions of dollars, counterfeiters cause an annual loss of approximately $75 million, according to research conducted by the US Customs and Border Protection.
From Shoe Polish to Mascara
According to a report by Milliyet newspaper, counterfeiters resort to incredible methods to reduce production costs. They use shoe polish to make mascara, flour in powders, and cooking oil in moisturizers, endangering the health of consumers. Cosmetic product manufacturer İbrahim Zengin, who gave an interview, emphasizes that beauty is important but should not override health. He mentions that using counterfeit mascara will inevitably lead to the need for medical attention, and the cheap materials used in fake cosmetics can threaten our health.
Contains Carcinogenic Substances
According to experts, counterfeit cosmetic products contain dangerous carcinogenic substances such as arsenic and beryllium. These ingredients, which can cause symptoms such as allergies or redness upon initial use, increase the risk of cancer in the long run. Additionally, they irritate the skin, damage the skin barrier, and contribute to premature aging of the skin.
Unhygienic Production Conditions
The production of cosmetic products requires appropriate hygienic conditions, regular health checks for employees, and a sterilized production environment. However, counterfeit cosmetics produced without supervision do not undergo these controls. Experienced cosmetic producer Ibrahim Zengin warns that if cosmetic products are applied to areas prone to contagion, such as hands, face, and eyes, and if production is not carried out under suitable conditions, contagious diseases can spread rapidly through cosmetic products.
Fake Lipsticks Threaten Your Health
Lead, a heavy metal that can lead to poisoning when exposed to excessive amounts, is often preferred by counterfeiters in the production of lipsticks. According to a report by CNN, doctors say that lead poisoning can lead to various health problems, including neurodevelopmental deficits, hormonal disturbances, reproductive disorders, and cancer.
Stay Away from Counterfeit Cosmetics
Many counterfeit cosmetics sold at low prices on online platforms are produced through illegal means in underground facilities, and they use chemicals that threaten health to create imitations of famous brands. According to a report by Hürriyet newspaper, experts warn consumers to buy and use genuine cosmetic products.
These studies should serve as a warning for all brands in the cosmetic industry. Once a consumer has had a bad experience with using a counterfeit version of your brand, they may hesitate to purchase your products. This situation demonstrates that counterfeiters can cause your brand to lose income and reputation. You can protect your brand against counterfeiters by using Counterfake, an AI-powered digital brand protection solution that detects and removes counterfeit products sold online.