How to Spot Fake Skincare in Bangladesh: 7 Checks

Fake and adulterated cosmetics are a persistent concern in Bangladesh, and a convincing box does not prove that what is inside is real. This guide gives seven checks you can do in about a minute, before you buy and when a parcel arrives. It does not name or accuse any shop, and it is honest about one limit: no single check proves a product is authentic. Together, though, they make it much harder to be fooled.

The short answer

Check who is selling it, what it costs, how it is printed, whether it has a batch code and an expiry date, whether the seal and packaging look consistent, who made and imported it, and what happens if something goes wrong. A genuine product from a trustworthy seller should pass all seven. If several raise doubts, do not buy it or use it.

Why fake cosmetics matter

News reports from UNB and the Dhaka Tribune describe counterfeit products, including cosmetics, falsely claiming certification by the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), with some traders printing fake BSTI stickers and holograms. They also describe a BSTI-led mobile court raiding a Dhaka factory that was making fake cosmetics under the names of well-known brands, and they call counterfeit cosmetics a persistent challenge.

The stakes are not only wasted money. The World Health Organization says mercury-containing skin-lightening products are hazardous to health. We have left out the headline percentages of fake products that circulate online, because we could not trace them to a primary study.

The seven checks

1. Who is selling it

Look for a real business name, a physical address, a working phone number and clear policies. A seller that exists only as a profile with no contact details, or that changes its name or page often, is a risk. Message or call with a question before you pay and see how they answer. Real details do not prove a product is genuine, but their absence is a warning.

2. A price far below the market

If a price is far below what established sellers charge for the same product and size, ask why. Imported products carry shipping and import costs, so a big gap is a reason to look harder at the other six checks. It is not proof by itself, since sales and old stock exist.

3. Print quality and spelling

Compare the box and container with the images on the brand's official website: spelling, fonts, colours, logo placement and the quality of printing. Blurry text, misspellings, smudged ink or colours that look slightly off are warning signs.

4. Batch code and expiry date

Look for a batch code and a date: an expiry date, or an open-jar symbol showing how many months the product lasts after opening. Check that the code on the box matches the one on the container and that it is printed clearly, not stuck on. If there is no date at all, do not use the product. Some brands offer batch checkers on their official websites; if so, use only the brand's own page.

5. Seal and packaging

Check that seals are intact, the cap fits properly and the outer box and the container match. Loose lids, uneven glue, missing seals or a container that looks as if it has been opened are all reasons to stop.

6. Manufacturer and importer details

Look for the manufacturer's name and address and, on imported products, an importer's name and address. Missing or vague details, such as a country name with nothing else, are a warning sign. Treat a BSTI mark as one more clue: because fake BSTI seals are reported, it cannot prove on its own that a product is genuine.

7. The return policy

A seller who is confident in its products publishes a written return and refund policy. Read it before you order: what is accepted, who pays for delivery on a return and how to reach the seller. No policy, or one that says nothing can ever be returned, is a warning. Our Returns policy is there for comparison.

What to do if you suspect a fake

1. Stop using it. If your skin becomes red, itchy or swollen, stop and seek medical advice. The American Academy of Dermatology notes these are signs of allergic contact dermatitis, which skin care products can cause.
2. Keep the evidence: the product, its packaging and proof of purchase, such as an order confirmation or payment record.
3. Contact the seller in writing and ask for a refund or exchange under their policy.
4. Report it. The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) is the government body that receives consumer complaints, and any consumer can file one. Check its official website or nearest office for the current ways to complain.

How we handle authenticity at BootsCare

BootsCare buys products from top UK retailers, and one of our managing partners, Mohammad Sarwarul Kabir, sources them personally. Our guide to where BootsCare products come from explains each step. The checks above apply to our parcels too: when yours arrives, look at the seal, the print and the batch code and expiry date. If anything seems wrong, contact us. Our Returns policy explains how we handle faulty or damaged products, and our Help Centre and About page tell you more about who we are.