Major Investigation Exposes Hazardous Fake Skincare Dominating Online Sales – Affected Brands Listed

Alarming Study Reveals Majority of Third-Party Cosmetics on Major Platforms Are Fake and Dangerous

A recent investigation by consumer watchdog Which? has uncovered a shocking prevalence of counterfeit cosmetics sold by third-party sellers on Amazon, eBay, TikTok Shop, and Vinted. Out of 34 tested products marketed as items from brands like Charlotte Tilbury, MAC, and La Roche Posay, 67% (23 items) were deemed fake. These products, often discounted to lure shoppers, may contain toxic ingredients like arsenic, lead, or even animal waste, posing serious health risks.

Researchers warn counterfeit cosmetics may contain toxic substances, risking skin burns, infections, and long-term harm.

Fake Products Dominant on Multiple Platforms

The study found fake items across all platforms:

• Amazon: 4 out of 11 products were counterfeit.
• eBay: 8 out of 11.
• TikTok Shop: 5 out of 6.
• Vinted: All 6 purchased items.

Counterfeits were often hard to distinguish from genuine products. For example, a fake Charlotte Tilbury setting spray had a cloying floral scent, unlike the authentic version. A MAC lipstick bought on Vinted had a smudged logo, while a La Roche Posay serum smelled like shampoo and lacked proper labeling.

Health Risks and Lack of Regulation

Consultant dermatologist Dr. Aamna Adel emphasized that counterfeit products, produced without safety checks, risk causing skin irritation, infections, or chemical burns. Authentic cosmetics undergo rigorous testing, but fakes may contain incorrect concentrations of potent ingredients like retinol, leading to severe reactions.

Subtle differences in packaging, texture, and smell often reveal counterfeit items.

High Profits Drive Counterfeit Sales

Despite low prices, fake cosmetics yield “extremely high” profits for sellers. For example, The Ordinary’s £10 serums were among the most counterfeited, with over 3,500 units sold across platforms. Phil Lewis of the Anti-Counterfeiting Group urges vigilance, even if discounts seem reasonable.

Calls for Stronger Consumer Protections

Which? is pushing for government action to hold online marketplaces accountable. Rocio Concha, the group’s policy director, stressed the need for reforms to prevent untested, dangerous products from reaching consumers.

Platform and Brand Responses

Amazon, eBay, TikTok Shop, and Vinted all stated they prohibit counterfeit sales and enforce policies. L’Oréal (owner of CeraVe and Maybelline) confirmed collaborations with law enforcement to combat fakes. Charlotte Tilbury and The Ordinary did not comment.

Fake products often bypass safety checks, risking severe skin damage.

How to Stay Safe

Consumers are advised to:

• Purchase directly from brand websites or authorized retailers.
• Scrutinize packaging, prices, and seller reviews.
• Avoid deals that seem “too good to be true.”

With counterfeit cosmetics rampant online, experts urge heightened awareness and regulatory action to protect public health.

For trusted shopping, stick to reputable retailers and report suspicious products to platforms.