Fake Beauty Products Are on the Rise – Here’s How to Spot Them

You care about what you put on—and in—your body. But in today’s beauty world, not every product is what it seems.

From skincare serums to injectables and even beauty tools, counterfeit products are flooding online stores and social media platforms. They may look identical to the real thing, but inside, they could contain dangerous ingredients or ineffective formulas. Some can even cause skin reactions, infections, or long-term harm.

So how can you protect yourself?

At Safety in Beauty, we’re here to help you make safe, confident choices. Here’s what you need to know about spotting fake beauty products—and what packaging red flags to look out for.

Why Counterfeit Beauty Products Are Dangerous

Counterfeit cosmetics and aesthetic products aren’t just cheap knock-offs. They can be harmful.

They may contain banned or toxic ingredients like mercury, hydroquinone, lead, or steroids.
They are often made in unregulated environments, with no hygiene standards or safety checks.
They may not work at all—leaving you with poor results or wasting your money.
They can trigger allergic reactions, infections, burns, or scarring.

A recent UK study found that up to 20% of cosmetic products sold online could be fake or mislabelled—and most of them are sold through unofficial platforms, not licensed retailers.

How to Spot Counterfeit Packaging

Fake products are designed to look real. But if you know what to look for, you can often tell the difference. Here are the top signs:

1. Suspiciously Low Prices

If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. High-end beauty brands rarely offer steep discounts—especially from unknown sellers.

2. Spelling or Grammar Errors

Check the box, labels, and instructions. Counterfeiters often make small mistakes:

Spelling errors
Poor grammar
Incorrect ingredient lists

Legitimate brands check their packaging thoroughly before release.

3. Blurry or Low-Quality Printing

Compare the product with the brand’s official photos or one you’ve bought before:

Does the logo look slightly off?
Is the font different or misaligned?
Are colours too bright or faded?

Fake packaging often cuts corners in printing and design.

4. No Batch Number or Expiry Date

Authentic products always include traceable information like:

Batch/lot number
Manufacturing or expiry date
Barcode or QR code

If these are missing—or look like stickers that could be peeled off—it’s a red flag.

5. Unusual Smell or Texture

Trust your senses. If the product smells off, feels different, or absorbs strangely on your skin, stop using it immediately.

6. Lack of Safety Seals or Tamper-Proof Packaging

Many brands now use security features to protect their products:

Holographic stickers
Shrink bands
Safety seals or tabs

If these are missing or damaged, the product may not be safe.

7. No Digital Authentication Option

Some advanced packaging now lets you check a product’s authenticity with your smartphone. Look for:

QR codes
NFC (tap-to-verify) chips
Brand-supported apps that scan and confirm authenticity

If the product should have this—and it doesn’t—it may be fake.

Where You Buy Matters

To avoid counterfeits, always buy from trusted sources:

Licensed clinics and authorised distributors
Official brand websites
Well-known retailers with strong reputations

Be cautious when buying from:

Third-party sellers on online marketplaces
Social media pages with limited reviews
Online stores with no contact details or customer service

What to Do If You Suspect a Fake Product

Stop using the product immediately.
Take photos of the packaging, label, and where you bought it.
Report it to the brand, retailer, or the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme if you’re in the UK.
See a medical professional if you experience any side effects.

Your health and safety always come first.

Final Thoughts

Counterfeit beauty products aren’t just a financial loss—they’re a threat to your health and wellbeing. With the rise of e-commerce and unregulated sellers, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and cautious.

Look for signs, trust your instincts, and buy from reputable sources.

At Safety in Beauty, we believe that every consumer deserves safe, genuine products—free from risk and full of confidence.

Need help or want to report a suspected fake?
Contact us