"Beware of fake sites and imitation products in November discounts" warning on cosmetics

In his written statement on the subject, Arslan stated that November discounts and attractive prices on cosmetic products direct consumers to shop, and pointed out that purchasing decisions made solely based on price may pose health and safety risks.

Pointing out that the inspections carried out by the Ministry of Health in the third quarter of the year brought the reliability problems in the sector to the agenda again, Arslan emphasized that one should be cautious about products offered for sale at much lower market prices, especially in online marketplaces.

Arslan stated that countdown timers presented with sudden discount videos and "out of stock" messages published on social media during campaign periods can lead consumers to rush shopping and made the following warnings:

"One should be wary of links directed from unknown accounts or suspicious/fake websites just because they are cheap, and not every popular product should be thrown into the basket without questioning. It should not be forgotten that fake sites and phishing scams increase the most in online shopping during this period. After the products ordered online are received, their packaging quality, label and barcode should be checked. One should be careful about differences in odor and consistency in fake products that are imitations of well-known brands."

"The price history of the products should be checked"

Fuat Arslan pointed out that prices can be shown as first increased and then decreased under the name of discount, and suggested that consumers check the price history of the products and use price tracking tools.

Emphasizing that the products of new and affordable brands discovered during the campaign period should not be applied directly to the skin, Arslan recommended that these products be tried first in a small area such as the inside of the wrist or behind the ear.

"Label and ÜTS record should be checked"

Arslan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KÜAD, stated that the packaging information should be examined before purchasing cosmetic products and emphasized that the name and full address of the responsible manufacturer or importer should also be checked, as well as the name of the product, intended use, content information, instructions for use and warnings.

Pointing out that the batch or serial number, which ensures the traceability of the product, and the expiration date or duration of use after opening, Arslan said:

"Consumers should check whether the product is registered in the system by querying the barcode of the product through the Product Tracking System (ÜTS) of the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TITCK). Products that are not registered in the ÜTS should not be preferred. If an unexpected reaction such as redness, itching, burning or swelling occurs after using the product, the use of the product should be stopped immediately and a healthcare professional should be consulted."

A call to safe production to industry stakeholders

KÜAD Congress President Serdar Mutaf stated that all stakeholders of the sector, from production to inspection, have a responsibility in accessing safe cosmetic products, and drew attention to the importance of increasing traceability and consumer awareness in the fight against underhand and illegal production.

Sharing the information that the 10th International Cosmetics Congress will be held in Antalya on December 14-16, where the issues on the industry's agenda from safe production to innovative formulations will be discussed, Mutaf stated that topics such as active ingredients, multifunctional formulas, personalization, sustainability and innovation will be evaluated at the congress.