Tips on how to spot counterfeit make-up and other fake cosmetic products
Fake cosmetic products try to copy or imitate well-known and trusted make-up and beauty products. They can be very harmful as they are usually not regulated or tested properly. They may contain dangerous or poor-quality ingredients, which can be damaging when used.
What to look for with fake cosmetics and beauty products
It can be difficult to recognise if a cosmetic product is counterfeit. We've put together a checklist of what to review when buying or using make-up and other beauty products:
Check the price
- Is it much cheaper than on the high street?
Check the packaging
- Is the fill level uneven e.g. in eye-shadow palettes?
- Any signs of faded packaging?
- Any misspelling on the packaging or in the information leaflet?
- Any differences in the name of the product or shade?
- Is the item poor quality e.g. mirrors that don't quite fit or are of bad condition?
- Any inconsistency in the print (font or style) on the container?
Check the product owner
- Is the distributor reliable? Beauty brands usually list their licenced sellers on their website.
- Does the product have an European address label? This means there is a company in Europe responsible for complying with quality and safety requirements.
What to do if you suspect your cosmetic product is fake
- Never use a product if you think it may be counterfeit.
- Contact the supplier and the European manufacturer listed on the label if you are concerned.
- Report any sellers of counterfeit cosmetic products to An Garda Síochána on 1800 666 111.
- Report anyone who is illegally importing counterfeit cosmetic products to Revenue on 1800 295 295.
- Report any undesirable health effects to your healthcare professional, the manufacturer (contact details on product packaging) or directly to us here in the HPRA via our online report form.