The rise of social media selling and the risks posed
This, in turn, masks the true ingredients from the consumer, putting them at risk of coming into contact with these dangerous ingredients. To avoid detection by more savvy consumers, counterfeiters display the INCI list of the official product.
#MAC COSMETICS ONLINE BLOG SKIN#
These harmful ingredients will cause skin irritation, rash or infection, and many are linked to a higher risk of cancer.Įach cosmetic good must detail its ingredients within the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) to ensure regulatory compliance. Seized goods have been found to contain toxic materials such as cyanide, arsenic, lead, mercury and, in some cases, even rat excrement. The hidden dangers of counterfeit cosmeticsĬounterfeit cosmetics are often manufactured in unsanitary conditions where bacteria thrive. in 2017, estimated to be worth $69 million.
Skincare is the leading category accounting for 36% of the global market and is seen as one of the most profitable avenues to bad actors.Ĭosmetics and pharmaceutical products made up 6.5% of all counterfeit good seizures in the U.S. Cosmetics are therefore seen as an enticing opportunity for counterfeiters looking to exploit consumer demand.
By 2024, the market is expected to be worth US$863 billion. Ĭosmetics sales are on the rise, with the industry recording growth of 5% in 2018 (its highest in two decades). Strong growth in the cosmetics market is attracting counterfeiters, with consumers being put at risk by fakes containing harmful materials such as arsenic, lead and rat excrement.