How to Avoid Shopping Counterfeit Products
There’s certainly no denying the convenience and immediacy that comes with e-commerce platforms like Amazon. However, when shopping for skincare, is it the best place to make your purchase?
Unfortunately, the answer is no.
In fact, according to the article “How do you know the beauty products you buy on Amazon are safe?” recently published in New Beauty, Amazon’s AI claims to have taken down 10 billion counterfeit listings in 2020 alone.
As you can imagine, purchasing a product that is counterfeit, expired, or has been stored incorrectly can lead to negative reactions and/or physical symptoms that require medical intervention. For that reason, our recommendation is to shop for skincare through a reputable vendor like your practice or directly through the brand’s website.
However, in the meantime, here are some tips for spotting (and avoiding) a fake:
DANGEROUS DISCOUNTS
If you see a seller listing a price at a much lower rate than competitors, it is likely too good to be true. In this case, you may consider reaching out to the brand directly, to ensure the offer is being made by a legitimate vendor.
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
It is not uncommon for vendors selling counterfeit products to match the general resemblance of an item-specifically through its branding. If you have used a product before, we recommend comparing its packaging, as well as the color, consistency, and smell to your past purchases. If something seems different, hold off on applying to your skin, and consider returning it immediately.
THIRD PARTY FRAUD
If you are planning to shop for a product on Amazon, be sure to investigate where it says, “sold by” and “shipped by”. According to New Beauty, this is where you will be able to determine if the item is being sold by Amazon, a brand who is allowing Amazon to shop their product, or from a third-party seller who is shipping it themselves. If both lines of information match, it may be legitimate. However, it is recommended that you once again check all available product details to ensure you’re not purchasing a dupe.
For questions and product recommendations, be sure to reach out to our experts here at Deep Blue Med Spa.
