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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Shanti Das

TikTok cashing in on sale of counterfeit cosmetics and prescription skin creams

A woman using a smartphone with fake products displayed on TikTok on either side
Of 1,000 women surveyed in a recent poll, 13% said they had been prompted by social media endorsements to buy counterfeit products. Photograph: TikTok/Alamy

TikTok is profiting from the sale of illegal and potentially dangerous beauty products, including counterfeit cosmetics and prescription-only skin creams, despite claiming to take a “zero tolerance” approach to rogue sellers.

Counterfeit versions of Dior perfumes, Vaseline lip balms and Maybelline mascaras are among products being touted by third-party vendors via TikTok’s in-app marketplace.

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