Why Counterfeit Cosmetics Are a Skin Health Problem, Not Just a Money Problem
A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology tested fake luxury cosmetics seized globally and found arsenic, mercury, lead, and high levels of bacteria in products marketed as moisturisers and lipsticks. Indian customs authorities have flagged similar seizures at ports in Mumbai and Delhi, with counterfeit skincare and makeup accounting for a significant share of confiscated goods. The damage these products cause ranges from contact dermatitis and chemical burns to long-term pigmentation and, in documented cases, heavy metal toxicity from daily use.
