Using fake cosmetic products can have a bad impact on the skin, for example causing irritation, acne, eczema, or even cancer. Therefore, you need to recognize the characteristics and ways to differentiate between genuine and fake cosmetics.
How to distinguish fake and original cosmetics
There are various ways you can differentiate between genuine and fake cosmetics, including:
1. Look at the outside of the packaging
One way to differentiate between genuine and fake cosmetics that you can use is to look at the outside of the packaging.
Generally, the packaging of fake cosmetics displays the wrong brand name or is different from the original product name.
Then, pay attention too font (writing style), dimensions and weight of product packaging. If it is different from the original, the product is probably fake.
2. Pay attention to the texture of the cosmetic
Try looking at the texture of the cosmetics you buy. If it feels different or strange, it could be fake cosmetics. Apart from that, also pay attention to the color and aroma of the cosmetics.
3. No serial number
The packaging of fake cosmetics usually does not have a serial number or production code.
Meanwhile, genuine cosmetics generally have a serial number or production code located at the bottom of the packaging.
4. Getting lots of bad reviews
If you buy cosmetics online, first pay attention to reviews from other buyers.
If there are lots of bad reviews or a buyer says the product is fake, you should think twice about buying it.
If possible, buy cosmetic products directly at the official store so that the quality is maintained.
How to check cosmetic products at BPOM
You may be familiar with the recommendation to always check the registration number of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) on every cosmetic product packaging.
Nahdid you know that you can now check BPOM cosmetic products very easily via the official BPOM website?
Checking the BPOM registration number is important to ensure you use safe cosmetics. As is known, currently there are many fake cosmetics circulating that contain dangerous ingredients.
Here are the steps you can take to check cosmetic products on the BPOM website:
If you already know the BPOM registration number
Select product search based on ‘REGISTRATION NUMBER’. Then, enter the BPOM number listed on the product packaging which usually consists of a combination of letters and numbers totaling 13-15 digits (for example NA18171300714), then press ‘SEARCH’ or enter.
You can check BPOM cosmetic products like this to check the authenticity of the registration number or match the product you bought with a product registered with BPOM.
If the check results show ‘data not found’, it could be that the cosmetics you are using are not registered with BPOM or it could also be fake cosmetics.
If you don’t know the BPOM registration number
You can also check BPOM cosmetic products based on the brand and product name. The way to check is the same, namely simply select the ‘BRAND’ or ‘PRODUCT NAME’ menu, then click the ‘SEARCH’ button or enter.
In this way, you can find out which cosmetic products are safe based on the category you choose. If the brand or name of the product (for example powder, lip balmmascara, and so on) are not found in database BPOM, it could be that the cosmetics you are using are not registered or are fake cosmetics.
Apart from seeing the registration number, you can also see the registrant and the date the BPOM registration number was issued for the product. As of mid-February 2020, there were more than 10 thousand cosmetic products registered with BPOM.
Tips for choosing safe cosmetics
Overall, BPOM asks you to check CLICK (packaging, labels, distribution permits, etc expired) before purchasing cosmetic products. Choose cosmetics with good packaging (no holes, tears, rust, etc.) and make sure the product has not passed its shelf life. its expiration.
On the label, you need to check the composition and avoid dangerous ingredients as follows:
- Heavy metals (including mercury and its derivatives, such as calomel, cinnabaris, hydrargyri oxydum rubrum, and quicksilver)
- 1,4 Dioxane
- Nitrosamine
- Formaldehyde
- Phthalate
- Lead
- Paraben
- Ethanolamine.
If possible, choose cosmetic products that are made from as few ingredients as possible so that it is easier to ensure safety. Also choose products that do not contain added fragrances, especially for cosmetic products used on sensitive skin.
Products that claim to be ‘natural’ and ‘natural’ are not necessarily safe cosmetics, especially if they do not have a distribution permit from BPOM. Even if it’s a lot reviews which states that products without BPOM permission are good cosmetics, you should don’t tempted and avoid it for the sake of long-term safety and health.
Be a smart consumer by always checking cosmetic products before buying and using them.
