counterfeit cosmetics: the ugly truth
If you don’t work in the beauty industry or have a big interest in makeup or skincare products, what I’m about to tell you might blow your mind. I remember first hearing about the idea of counterfeit cosmetics and being completely shocked. Fake beauty products? Knock off makeup, hair care and skin care? Are you kidding me?
But the ugly truth is, it’s a big business.
In fact, you may have unknowingly (or let’s be honest, knowingly), bought some of these products yourself. After all, you don’t have to buy them in some dark alley in the shady part of town. Oh no, these products are being peddled by major retailers like Walmart.
According to Business Insider, a new report has found that five major online retailers — including Amazon, Walmart, and eBay — sold fake products that can be harmful to your health. If you haven’t seen the documentary on Netflix called Broken, it’s an amazing place to start to dive into this entire concept.
Here’s the thing. Buying makeup, skin care or hair care from a third-party source can be BAD, BAD NEWS.
These products aren’t regulated, they’re regularly tampered with, expired, diverted, or even carcinogenic. Some fake versions, which can presumably be bought for cheaper, have been shown to include carcinogens and horse urine. A press release from Netflix lists other ingredients including human feces and arsenic that have been found in counterfeit products (source Newsweek). WUT. FECES. In your skincare. You know, the products you’re rubbing all over your face.
If you see Monat on eBay, Walmart or Amazon— don’t buy it. ever. For the sake of your hair, your scalp and just your overall health, it’s not worth it. Monat will never sell via third party. If you want it? Buy from a trusted friend or directly from their website itself. The same goes for all your other favorite brands!
In the last two years, the LAPD alone has seized over 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 of counterfeit products.
One million! This is a huge problem, y’all.
“In 2008, when they saw an increase in counterfeit products, the Estée Lauder Companies, which own M.A.C., created an anti-counterfeiting unit — 24 people whose sole job it is to seek out counterfeit beauty products. Because of the simple, and iconic, packaging, M.A.C. products are a frequent target for counterfeiters” (allure).
If you see your favorite beauty influencer posting a heap of swipe ups for beauty brands on Amazon, don’t be so quick to add to cart. I urge you to dO YOUR RESEARCH. Honestly? I think influencers and influencer brands are a part of the problem— and I know they’re not trying to be deceptive. But when we share something we love, then people want it, and they want it now. If the direct seller is out of stock (not just Monat, y’all. We’re talking Sephora, Ulta, etc.), and you see it on Amazon from a third-party seller, I wouldn’t trust it. It’s not with the risk it carries.
Your money should always be well spent, and sometimes we have to ask the hard questions.
When we know better, we do better.
Interested in learning more about this subject?
Check out some of these helpful articles and resources to go even deeper:
‘A Dermatologist Lays Out 4 Ways to Spot Counterfeit Skincare Products’ (Well+Good)
‘Is Your Makeup the Real Deal?’ (InStyle)
‘Fake products sold by places like Walmart or Amazon hold risks of everything from cyanide to rat droppings — here's how to make sure what you're buying is real’ (Business Insider)
