Pirate makeup: cheap is expensive for health

The sale of “pirate” makeup has grown exponentially in recent years, however, its sale is not regulated; Acne problems, skin redness, swelling and dermatitis are just some of the consequences that the user of this type of product can develop, as explained by the State Commission for Protection Against Sanitary Risks (Coespris).

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Social networks, street markets, markets and independent distributors are the main points of sale for makeup and perfumes of dubious origin, since their authenticity is unknown, distributing it at a very attractive price for the public, since a painting for eyebrows found in the flea market on 44th street and Samaniego, in the Dale neighborhood, can be found for as little as 30 pesos.

In the informal market there is a large number of irregular products, that is, they do not have the specifications recommended by the health authorities, which are only in charge of insuring the product if it is in a formal establishment, so that the tianguis are outside of said regulations.

For Coespris, makeup is a low-risk product, so its regulation is only given in cases of national health alert by the Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris), who, in such case Should this situation arise, it would carry out an intentional search operation in fixed and semi-fixed establishments.

Smelling the product and verifying the packaging design, as well as the brand name, are some recommendations that dermatologist Blanca Espino, a skin care specialist, points out to identify fake cosmetics.

Pirate makeup: cheap is expensive health

Paola G., a patient of the dermatologist and a former recurring buyer of “pirate” makeup, began to notice changes on her skin such as breakouts, redness and small spots, as well as flakes on her lips that projected a sensation of continuous dryness, approximately five months after starting to buy this type of product.

“My face was burning and I went to the dermatologist. In the consultation, she asked me if she had changed brands, and that was when I realized that it was the makeup base and the sealing powder that she had bought in the flea market, ”says the affected woman.

While an original Maybelline brand matte lipstick costs approximately 250 pesos in a properly regulated establishment, in an informal business they can be purchased from 120 pesos; Likewise, the makeup base, the shadows and various indelible lipsticks of the same brand are found at 100 pesos, costs that were told to reporters of this publishing house by the merchants themselves.

“The use of counterfeit makeup can be very dangerous, since it is not approved by the dermatological society, which can cause acne and dermatitis,” explained the specialist.

Main outlets for “pirate” makeup

When taking a tour of some strategic points in the city, they came across various street markets that sell these products in some of their stalls. Some of them are the one on November 20, on Tuesdays; in the Industrial neighborhood on Thursdays; on Saturdays at La Campesina, as well as on Sundays at Chihuahua 200.

When inquiring with some vendors about the origin of the makeup, they assured that they were replicas from the center or south of the country, purchasing them in batches from trusted distributors.

For example, the “Kylie Cosmetics” lipstick and eyeliner kit in the official store has a value of 29 dollars, the equivalent of approximately 550 pesos. In the place of sale of replicas it has a value of 250 pesos.

Another of the main products for sale is a “Mac” brand eyeliner, advertised in the official store for 22 dollars, in exchange for approximately 420 pesos, having a cost in the informal market of 150 pesos.

How to spot “pirate” makeup?

As explained by dermatologist Espino, the recommendations to follow to detect “pirate” makeup are:

• Check the packaging: replicas do not always have the logo where it goes on the original box, they may have it higher or lower. Check the logo and its sizes at an authorized store.

• Check the name of the cosmetic: The name of the product is important for its identification, check it on the website. If it does not appear, the product may be fake or discontinued.

• Smell the product: Identify the scent of the makeup you want to buy, many counterfeit products smell like plastic or have a very inconspicuous sweetish odor.

For this purpose, the health authority considers the Regulation of Sanitary Control of Products and Services, in terms of Labeling, the product must contain on its label, The declaration of ingredients, the identification and address of the manufacturer, importer, packer, maquiladora or national or foreign distributor, as the case may be; instructions for its conservation, use, preparation and consumption; the component(s) that could represent a mediate or immediate risk to the health of consumers, whether by ingestion, application or handling of the product; Date of Expiry; lot identification; the processing condition to which the product has been subjected, when it is associated with potential risks and precautionary statements.

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