Stop! Check These 6 Boxes Before You Purchase New Skincare
There are many ways to go wrong when purchasing skincare. Apart from dealing with the product’s efficacy, many other things, such as bad skin reactions, newly-developed skin issues, and even purchasing a fake, can cause a bad purchase.
The good news is that this is actually quite common. Most manufacturers partner with many retailers so that they can increase sales, so it isn’t exactly easy to tell who’s legit and who’s not (via Price Spider).
However, the great news is that we’ve put together a six-item checklist to help you reduce the possibility of making a purchase you’ll regret.
How Big of a Problem Are Counterfeit Skincare Products?
Many believe the only way to accidentally purchase a counterfeit product is by purchasing from an unknown or not-so-popular third party.
Sadly, according to the US Government Accountability Office, this isn’t exactly correct. In a survey it conducted, 20 of 47 items purchased from third-party (non-authorized) sellers on Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Sears Marketplace, Newegg.com, and eBay.com were fakes.
While Dermstore states that purchasing directly from the manufacturer is the only way to avoid counterfeits, it might not always be possible to do so. Consequently, knowing how to make the right purchase and get your money’s worth is essential. Without further ado, let’s jump right in.
Buy From Authorized Retailers
Authorized sellers are retail stores that purchase products directly from manufacturers. Companies and brands partner with these retail stores all over the country to give more people quick and easy access to their products.
Luckily, since brands know how easy it is to purchase a fake product, they are only too glad to point you in the right direction to order from. Most brands have a list or map of all retailers around the country, and you can access this list through a simple Google Search.
Check the Price
One major way that counterfeit product sellers get victims is by advertising too-good-to-be-true deals. The prospect of getting top-quality products at an unbelievable “sale” price pushes people to order in a hurry.
To avoid this, carefully check to be sure that a site is an authorized reseller or is affiliated with the brand before making a purchase. Remember that it isn’t enough if they claim to be affiliated with the brand. Confirm from the brand’s page yourself.
Ensure You Haven’t Changed Your Routine Recently
In an interview with Women’s Health Magazine, Dermatologist Jennifer MacGregor recommends sticking with a product for at least 12 weeks.
It’s also a good idea to avoid new products within this period so that you can know what’s working and avoid overwhelming your skin.
Check Out the Ingredient List
You probably know that certain skincare ingredients shouldn’t be mixed. Well and Good states that some of the most notorious combinations are vitamin C and exfoliants, retinoids and hydroxy acids, certain retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, and copper peptides and vitamin C.
Naturally, it would help if you were certain that the ingredients in the product you are about to buy would not clash with any of the ingredients in your current routine. It sounds like a lot of work, and admittedly, it is. But it is essential to avoid bad skin reactions.
You should also check out the ingredient list to be sure that the product has a chance of being effective. If a product promises to brighten spots or battle acne, its ingredient list must contain items known to battle the said problems.
Lastly, you should eliminate products with fragrances, harsh chemicals, and any other ingredients you do not want to include in your routine.
Consider Your Current Routine.
Dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall states that over 50% of her patients have damaged skin because of overcomplicated routines (per Net Doctor).
If you’re using more than 5 to 7 products per routine, chances are you’re overdoing it. For example, you do not need a moisturizing serum and a moisturizer if you have oily skin.
Select a handful of products that you trust and use them consistently. It’s a good idea to restrict experimentation to masks, scrubs, and other products you don’t use daily.
Look For Discount Codes
One underrated and safe way to save money while product shopping is to search for coupon codes. Popsugar recommends downloading Target’s app to get discount codes, while TheList recommends Walmart’s. However, this only applies to you if the manufacturer lists these stores as authorized retailers.
What To Do If You Suspect You Purchased a Fake
If you’ve already purchased a product, but suspect that it’s fake, do not despair. Start by inspecting the packaging and lettering and comparing it to the original’s. If you’re still not sure, there’s one more thing you can do.
Email the company
A simple email explaining your dilemma might solve the problem. First, get the official customer care email of the brand and then shoot them an email.
Explain that you purchased their products from an unauthorized retailer and would like to know if it is original. Be sure to provide them with enough information. You might have to include pictures, the bar code, and other details that cause you to suspect that you purchased a fake.
More often than not, you’ll get a reply with only a short wait.
This might not help you recover what you spent if it is fake, but you’ll know whether or not the product is safe to use.
The Bottom Line
Remember that you can make a bad purchase even if you purchase an original product. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t worry about fakes — you should.
We don’t mean to make you a Paranoid Patty or a Worried Wendy (you get the point), but counterfeit products are all around you. Take it from POPSUGAR: If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.
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