2025 Report

The Real Costs of Fake Beauty

Exclusive insights from a survey of hundreds of consumers reveal how fake beauty products mislead online shoppers, erode brand trust, and shape future purchasing decisions.

Beauty Product

Executive summary

The proliferation of counterfeit cosmetics has emerged as a significant threat to both consumers and brands within the beauty industry.

This report delves into the multifaceted challenges posed by counterfeit beauty products, revealing how they not only compromise consumer health and safety but also inflict lasting damage on brand reputation and trust.

1 in 3

consumers wouldn’t buy from a brand again after unknowingly purchasing a counterfeit

15% 

directly blame brands for not removing counterfeits

Almost half

of fake beauty products were seen on social media channels

Key Findings

The Rise of Superfakes

Counterfeits are getting more adept at slipping past even the most vigilant customers. 

Loyalty at Risk

Even when it’s not the brand’s fault, these experiences erode customer loyalty, leaving brands to bear the reputational fallout and effects of lost revenue.

Word-of-Mouth Damage

Consumers share their negative experiences on social media, amplifying the reputational harm and deterring future customers.

Growing Expectation for Brand Protection

People directly blame brands for not removing counterfeits, reflecting a rising expectation to take decisive action and institute protective measures against fakes to safeguard customers.

It is sad that you cannot completely trust in something you buy online. Companies should do more to stop this.

It's really frustrating and makes shopping more stressful.


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