Makeup Mirage

A Reaction or Side Effect

An unexpected reaction or side effect to makeup can be serious. You might have an unknown allergy or sensitivity to an ingredient, the product may be a knockoff or counterfeit that uses unlisted or dangerous ingredients, or it might simply be past its expiration date.

If you have a reaction, you should:

1. Stop using the product immediately
2. See your doctor or a dermatologist (and bring the product with you)
3. Report your reaction to the manufacturer
4. Report your reaction online to MedWatch, the FDA's safety reporting program
   or by phone: 1-800-FDA-1088

Find out more about “What happens when a reaction is reported to the FDA”?

A Possible Counterfeit

A knockoff is a product that is similar to but different from and usually cheaper than a name-brand product. Knockoffs usually have similar names and packaging, but you can see the differences if you compare one with the original. While not illegal, they may use lower quality ingredients in order to keep prices low.

Counterfeits are unauthorized, illegal copies of brand-name products. They may look exactly or almost exactly the same as the original, at least on the outside. The texture, scent, or color of the makeup inside, however, may be noticeably different and of lower quality.

If you suspect a counterfeit:

1. Don't use it! Some counterfeits contain harmful ingredients
   • CBS News “Fake makeup can be an easy buy - and a health hazard”
   • Chicago Tribune “Customers report pink eye and other health problems from fake makeup products delivered by Wish app”
2. Report or return product to the seller
3. Report incident to the manufacturer of the real product
4. Report a retailer selling counterfeits to the appropriate government agency
   (FDA, FBI, IPR Center, Consumer Product Safety Commission, etc.)
5. Report a retailer selling counterfeits to the Better Business Bureau