Dear Humans,
Prior to this post, I have discussed the boom of e-commerce further stimulated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With more people turning to online platforms like Shopee, Lazada or even EzBuy, their risk of purchasing counterfeit products would have greatly increased. The risk of buying counterfeit cosmetic products online is higher than you think. With the growing demand for online shopping, many sites are introducing promotions every other week. You have the 8/8, 10/10 and 11/11 sale, with these promotional events going on, consumers are encouraged to purchase more of their items online. Many cosmetics lovers look for their cult favourite items without considering its dangers and background (Hickey, 2018). In the picture below, you can see that both the authentic and counterfeit eyeshadow palettes look extremely similar so it is not surprising that many people are falling for it.
Source: https://edtimes.in/fake-makeup-is-on-the-rise-and-heres-why-you-should-be-worried/
But why is using counterfeit makeup bad?
These fake cosmetics very well contain toxic chemicals such as mercury which could lead to skin rash and chemical burns (BBC, 2018). Famous brands such as M.A.C, Kylie Cosmetics and more have been victim to the counterfeit drama. Beauty products ranging from perfumes to make-up to sun screens have been tested to contain poisonous chemicals like arsenic, mercury and cyanide (BBC, 2015). With consumers purchasing and using these fake cosmetic products, not only does it cause harm to themselves but also release harmful chemicals into the environment.
Screenshot from Shopee
Screenshot from Shopee
Screenshot from Shopee
These are some screenshots of reviews by buyers on online shopping platform, Shopee. As you can see, many of these buyers are “unsure of the authenticity” of the products that they have bought online. Many of these consumers purchase products online despite understanding the risks of the products being counterfeit and harmful. I would like to guess that most of these consumers purchase risky items online to secure their favourite beauty products at a discounted price. These consumption behaviours can be dangerous for your health as well as the environment. Next, I would share with you ways you can spot fakes and what you should do when you find a fake.
Wary vibes,
Mother Nature
References:
BBC. (2018, August 27). Fake cosmetics found to contain ‘toxic’ chemicals. BBC. Retrieved 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-45313747
BBC. (2015, May 17). Rat droppings, urine and arsenic found in fake beauty items. BBC. Retrieved 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-32772132
CNN. (2020, October 16). Lazada warns online sellers of deactivation for selling fake products. Retrieved 2020, from https://cnnphilippines.com/business/2020/10/16/Lazada-online-sellers-deactivation-fake-products.html
Hickey, S. (2018, December 2). Whether you’re unaware or don’t care, counterfeit goods pose a serious threat. The Guardian. Retrieved 2020, from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/dec/02/whether-youre-unaware-or-dont-care-counterfeit-goods-pose-a-serious-threat