With the summer vacation, many tourists encounter low-priced branded perfumes and cosmetic products in marketplaces, on beach promenades, and in souvenir shops. While these products may seem attractive at first glance, they can pose serious health risks. Experts emphasize that fake cosmetics and perfumes, in particular, do not undergo quality and safety inspections, and call on consumers to be careful.

Health-Threatening Ingredients Can Be Found

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

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

Legal Problems Can Also Arise

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

Problems can also arise during the return journey. German customs authorities have the authority to confiscate and destroy fake products detected upon entry into the country.

Millions of Counterfeit Products Seized

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

Experts advise caution against products sold far below the normal market price, low-quality packaging, missing origin information, and unreliable points of sale. It is recommended that perfumes and cosmetic products be purchased only from authorized retailers, both on vacation and in daily life. Since cosmetic products sold in the European Union are subject to strict safety and quality standards, products purchased from authorized sales channels provide consumers with greater assurance.

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