With the summer holidays, many tourists encounter low-priced branded perfume and cosmetic products in marketplaces, beach promenades, and souvenir shops. While these products may seem attractive at first glance, they can pose serious health risks. Experts are urging consumers to be cautious, especially noting that counterfeit cosmetics and perfumes do not undergo quality and safety inspections.

Potentially Health-Threatening Ingredients Found

It is often unknown what ingredients are used in counterfeit cosmetic products, whether they are produced under hygienic conditions, or if the label information is accurate. Investigations have detected heavy metals, banned chemicals, and harmful contaminants in some counterfeit perfumes and cosmetic products.

The use of these products can lead to problems such as skin irritation, inflammation, allergic reactions, eye irritation, and chemical burns. Counterfeit sunscreens, in particular, pose a significant danger. Products that do not provide the stated protection factor can cause severe sunburns and long-term skin damage.

Legal Issues Can Also Arise

Purchasing counterfeit products can have legal consequences in some countries. In Italy and France, individuals who buy counterfeit branded products may face fines. In some regions of Spain, inspections are being intensified for both the sale and purchase of counterfeit products.

Problems can also occur on the return journey. German customs authorities have the authority to seize and destroy counterfeit products detected upon entry into the country.

Millions of Counterfeit Products Seized

According to German customs data, approximately 4.6 million counterfeit products were seized during import controls in 2025. The estimated market value of the seized products reached approximately 450 million euros. Of this amount, counterfeit perfumes and fragrance products accounted for 15.5 million euros.

Experts advise caution against products sold significantly below their normal market price, low-quality packaging, incomplete origin information, and unreliable points of sale. It is recommended to purchase perfumes and cosmetic products only from authorized retailers, both during holidays and in daily life. Products purchased through authorized sales channels offer consumers higher assurance, as cosmetic products sold in the European Union are subject to strict safety and quality standards.

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