Curious to learn how to spot fake Cerave products? You’ll find the right guide here. The Nigerian beauty products industry is somewhat chaotic for consumers. And with the popularity of CeraVe products on the rise, so too are the possible occurrences of counterfeit or fake versions infiltrating the market.
Thus, an important concept in the beauty industry is COSMETOVIGILANCE, which means being sensitive towards using cosmetics products.
According to an observational study on adverse reactions of cosmetics, 50.6% of participants have experienced issues like “redness of the skin (19%), pimples (15%), and itching (13%)” as some of the adverse effects of using a beauty cream. This is one reason why you need to know how to identify a fake beauty product, such as Cerave cream.
Quick Tip: To identify fake CeraVe products, carefully examine the packaging and scrutinize the labels on the product. You might want to check for product consistency, analyze ingredients lists, and seek professional advice when needed.
Why You Should Avoid Fake CeraVe Products
Here are some reasons you may want to avoid a fake Cerave product:
1. The Risks of Counterfeit Products
Using fake skincare products can lead to adverse consequences, ranging from skin irritation and breakouts to potential long-term damage. Unlike the fake ones, authentic products are formulated with specific ingredients and undergo rigorous testing to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Besides, counterfeit products can contain less effective and untested substances that may pose risks to your skin’s health.
2. Protecting Your Investment
Also, investing in authentic skincare products ensures that you’re getting the value you paid for. Counterfeit products not only fail to deliver the desired results, but also undermine the trust you place in reputable brands like CeraVe. That said, learning how to identify fakes allows you to safeguard your investment and uphold your skincare routine’s integrity.
Now, let’s move on to the main task!
How To Spot Fake CeraVe Products [Step-by-Step Guide]
To identify fake CeraVe products and steer clear of potential pitfalls, follow these steps:
1. Examine the Packaging and Labels
The first line of defense against counterfeit CeraVe products lies in scrutinizing the packaging and labels. Authentic CeraVe products are meticulous in their presentation and labeling.
That said, check for any discrepancy in the logo design and font used on the packaging. Note that CeraVe products are marked by the brand’s text-based logo. You just have to be familiar with the logo to tell the difference from ‘copied’ variants. Counterfeit products may have subtle variations in these aspects.
You can also detect fake CeraVe products by assessing the information on the packaging. CeraVe is an American brand; and as such, you should expect neat adherence to the American English spelling and grammar on their packaging.
Typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies in product descriptions are usually signs of fake variants.
Additionally, barcodes are one of the smart ways manufacturers encode information on their products. Authentic CeraVe products feature accurate barcodes and unique serial numbers which you can check using barcode software. While you may see the codes on every CeraVe product in the market, cross-reference them with the brand’s official records, if possible.
2. Be Mindful of the Price and Source
The old adage “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is” holds true when shopping for skincare products. This is why you should always be mindful of the price of a product. Note that the price of CeraVe products (as of the time of writing this guide) typically ranges from N3,000 to N12,000 naira, depending on the type of product you’re buying.
That said, unusually low prices for these products should raise a red flag. Here’s how to navigate pricing red flags when buying CeraVe products:
- Beware of Unofficial Channels: Purchase from authorized retailers, pharmacies, or the brand’s official website to reduce the risk of buying fakes.
- Be Mindful of Discounts and Bargains: While occasional sales are common, drastically discounted CeraVe products may indicate a counterfeit. So, ensure you research the average retail price for the product you’re considering gauging its authenticity.
- Research the Sellers: Be cautious when buying from new online marketplaces or lesser-known websites. While they may offer authentic products, it’s a good idea to research the seller’s reputation and read reviews before making a purchase.
3. Check for Product Texture
This is especially useful when you’re already familiar with the product you’re buying. While authentic CeraVe products maintain a consistent quality and texture, counterfeit versions may differ in color, scent, or texture from the genuine product.
Of course, you can only identify the texture of the product when you’re familiar with it. This is why it’s better to test a skincare product from a friend or family member before buying. Well, if this isn’t possible, try to buy from a reputable store or authorized CeraVe dealer.
4. Analyze the Ingredients List
You’ll always find the ingredients of any CeraVe product on the back (just as seen in the picture above). While counterfeit versions may copy this info and just use it on theirs, there are usually inconsistencies in their arrangement. Besides, counterfeit versions may contain incorrect or misspelled ingredients.
That said, use the official CeraVe website to verify the product’s ingredients. Compare the list to the one on the product you’re considering buying. When your mind seems to be puzzled by a formula, try to check to be sure.
Remember, using counterfeit product may pose greater risks to your skin than the loss to your pocket. So, the stress of verifying a product’s authenticity is always worth it in the end.
For a visual guide on how to spot fake CeraVe products, watch the video below:
Related:
FAQs About Spotting Fake CeraVe Products
Here are answers to common questions people ask about spotting fake CeraVe product:
1. Are there specific places or online platforms where fake CeraVe products are commonly sold?
Fake skincare products, including CeraVe, can be found in various places, including online marketplaces, unauthorized websites, and local stores that may not be authorized CeraVe retailers. Be cautious when purchasing from sources with questionable authenticity.
2. What are the potential risks of using fake CeraVe products?
Fake CeraVe products may contain harmful ingredients or lack the quality control and safety standards of genuine products. Thus, using counterfeit skincare products can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, or other adverse effects.
3. Can I report the presence of counterfeit Cerave products to the company?
Yes, most reputable skincare brands, including Cerave, have mechanisms for reporting counterfeit products. Contact their customer support or visit their official website for guidance on reporting fake products to protect others from potential harm.
Final Tip
Now that you’ve learned how to spot fake Cerave products, I believe you’re better equipped to making the right purchase. You can also leave a comment to contribute or share your experience.