South Africa’s skincare market is booming, but with that growth comes a darker side — the rise of counterfeit beauty products.
From fake sunscreens to knock-off serums, these products don’t just underdeliver — they can be harmful to your skin and health.
So how do you know if that “must-have” product is legit? Here are 6 key signs to watch out for:
1. Check the packaging carefully
Counterfeit products often have low-quality packaging. Look for blurry labels, off-brand logos, spelling errors, or missing details.
2. Verify the batch code and expiry date
Real products usually have a printed batch number and clear expiry date. If it’s rubbed off, missing, or looks altered, be cautious.
3. Look for SAPHRA or NRCS approval (if applicable)
South African Health Products Regulatory Authority or the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications may regulate certain categories. Lack of certification = red flag.
4. Compare to the official product online
Visit the brand’s official website to check what the original packaging, ingredients, and branding should look like.
5. Be suspicious of extremely low prices
If the price feels too good to be true — especially from unknown resellers — it probably is.
6. Shop from trusted retailers
Stick to official stores, pharmacies (like Clicks or Dis-Chem), or authorised online retailers. Avoid sketchy vendors on Facebook Marketplace or Instagram DMs.
Pro Tip:
Always do a quick Google search or visit beauty review forums when in doubt. Many users share comparisons between real vs fake versions of popular products.
