What to Know About Counterfeit Cosmetics Ahead of the Holiday Season

It may only be the second week of December, but we’re already deep into the holiday shopping season. For many of us, that means skipping long lines and avoiding in-store chaos by combing through online deals instead. But the rise of counterfeit cosmetics poses a challenge for even the most seasoned online shopper.

Recently, the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) reported an estimated annual loss of $5.4 billion to legitimate beauty and personal-care companies. Meanwhile, data from the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) shows that 73% of consumers are drawn to counterfeit products because of lower prices on online marketplaces and social platforms.

- Advertisement -

This season, PCPC and the NCPC are pushing for greater awareness through their Buy No Lie campaign. Here’s why the issue matters—and what makes counterfeit cosmetics so dangerous.

The Problem With Counterfeit Cosmetics

Chances are, you won’t be able to spot the difference between authentic and counterfeit beauty products by simply looking at the packaging. (The NCPC found that most consumers struggle to spot a fake, with 70% believing the products they purchase are authentic.) The biggest—and most important—difference lies in the formula inside. Just like in fashion, beauty items can be made with low-grade materials and packaged to look nearly identical to the original, even to trained eyes. The result can be dangerous. According to the campaign’s website, risks range from allergic reactions and irritation to chemical burns, eye infections and more severe complications.

How the Buy No Lie Campaign Can Help

The main objective of the Buy No Lie campaign is to equip consumers with practical tips for purchasing cosmetic products online. Whether you’re shopping for makeup, skin care, shampoo or sunscreen, the goal is to help ensure you receive authentic, safe products. The campaign’s website serves as a hub for information about counterfeit cosmetics and a resource for holiday shoppers. Along with general education, it offers a toolkit with three simple steps to make the process easier:

STEP 1: Always Buy From a Reputable Seller

It’s always a good idea to do your research when shopping on an online marketplace like Amazon or eBay. While cosmetic and personal care products can be sold by any seller, opting for a storefront with a known reputation for them is best.

STEP 2: Check the Seller’s Credentials

Once you’ve found a reputable seller, you’ll need to consider their credentials. A good way to do this is to read customer feedback and review any subsequent videos or pictures provided. Take your time and be thorough. Reading only the good reviews gives you one point of view. Instead, make a point to see what customers liked and disliked about their experience with the seller.

Step 3: Compare Pricing

The final step is to compare the pricing. With so many online marketplaces and social media storefronts, you’re likely to find a range of different prices. Comparing them along with the seller’s credentials and reputation can help weed out counterfeit products. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.