The risks of purchasing counterfeit cosmetic skincare and fake beauty products online are real…
In today’s world, we’re often attempting to save money. And sites like eBay and Amazon have supported us in this attempt. It’s the savvy shopper that always turns to sites like Amazon and eBay to see if they can find items—anything from clothes, supplements, cosmetics, books and much more—for less than retail or what they might pay for them elsewhere.
Unfortunately, fraud can negatively impact our experiences. Fraud seems to be everywhere. From purses and watches being sold on the streets to professional line hair care products being sold in certain department stores to knock off designer label shoes and clothing being sold online, fraud costs people a lot of money, not to mention it can impact their safety and wellbeing. And the skin care industry is no different.
Counterfeit Cosmetic Skincare and Fake Beauty Products Online
There are several companies that attempt to sell skin care products that only a professional MedSpa or doctor has permission to sale. With products such as professional hair care and skin care products, there’s no guarantee that you’re truly getting the quality that you pay for when buying them from an unauthorized dealer. In addition, there’s no way of knowing if the ingredients are safe if used as directed.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the counterfeiting of luxury products is a “highly profitable venture” for online scammers. A report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development indicates that the cosmetic industry losing approximately $5.4 billion annually to fraudulent sellers.
Though companies like Amazon have strict policies prohibiting the sale of fraudulent and counterfeit products and take great strides to avoid such sales from happening, a 2018 government investigation indicated that more than 42% of products purchased online on sites such as Walmart and Amazon were fakes. In some instances, the counterfeit products were near-exact replicas of the actual product. With COVID-19 and the lock down made came a significant increase in cybercrimes, including counterfeiting and the sell of fake products to take advantage of people’s fears and inability to access products through the outlets they used to.
Goods that counterfeiters sell go unchecked by quality control measures, like those put in place by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some fake products have been found to contain carcinogens, like cadmium, arsenic, and beryllium, which can cause significant external and internal damage. Further, some products have been found to include human waste and harmful bacterial.
In terms of more invasive products, like DIY dermal fillers, consumers have sometimes been injecting themselves with silicone that’s not suitable for human use. In instances like these, the filler has to be surgically removed.
When using fake or counterfeit cosmetic products, best-case scenario is that any irritation or unpleasant reaction can be cleared up with at-home remedies. The worse-case scenario is that more extreme circumstances, like scarring or permanent discoloration of the skin, can occur and a trip to the doctor might be necessary. Some more extensive and expensive treatments might be necessary to reverse damage, such as laser treatments or steroids.
Regardless of what you’re purchasing, you want to be sure to check out reviews for the companies you’re purchasing from, as well as the products and the product-name’s standards. When purchasing on sites like Amazon, they often have verified suppliers that are backed by sites like Amazon to give you some peace of mind. Still, with the thousands upon thousands of counterfeiters online, it can be tough for even the largest of organizations to keep up. So, anytime you’re purchasing cosmetic or skin care products, always use caution!
Many cosmetic companies only sell to establishments with a licensed professional
When you’re purchasing cosmetic products made by companies such as SkinMedica and Obaji, purchase them from a reputable clinic or MedSpa, like DermaTouch RN, with a physician on board. If there isn’t a physician or required licensed medical professional on board based on the product line’s standards, then the establishment is likely selling the products illegally, since such companies only sell to very specific establishments.
This is in part why it’s very easy for organizations to illegally sell products online—people don’t think to verify the establishment or if the seller is sticking to the brand name company’s standards for the products they’re selling.
Previously mentioned SkinMedica is a medical-grade skincare line that is highly effective and can only be carried by clinics and MedSpas that meet specific standards. We carry SkinMedica, made by Allergan, at DermaTouch RN, for example, since we meet their high and strict standards.
In other words, if you’re purchasing SkinMedica products online through an establishment not backed by the SkinMedica name, then there’s no guarantee about what you’re getting.
Don’t be fooled by fake beauty products and cosmetic treatments
When you’re trusting your appearance and the treatments to look and feel your best to others, seek out brands and establishment backed by a licensed medical professional. For example, SkinMedica offers several chemical peels that must be administered by a licensed medical professional, which includes physicians or an aesthetician or nurse under a physician’s supervision. If you find your purchasing your medical grade skin care treatment from an establishment that’s not authorized to use or sell them, then move on.
Safety is a priority
As the proof suggests above, when you purchase products online, there is no telling what you’re getting, especially when purchasing from sellers outside of the United States. You’re risking your health, safety, and not getting the results promised. Best case, you’re simply wasting your money, because the products are diluted or not what they say they are. And the same goes for offline establishments attempting to appear as if they are authorized to offer and sell certain treatments that actually aren’t.
Do your homework so you don’t get burned, and more importantly, remain safe and healthy.
Purchase from a provider you can trust
At DermaTouch RN, you can trust that when you purchase products from our clinic, you’re getting the high-quality skin care and cosmetics with the results you expect. Regardless of where you go, again, do your homework and ensure your research validates that you can trust the provider or clinic you choose.
DermaTouch RN offers minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all of our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients. We invite you to learn more about our office before your consultation.
