THE WHAT? TikTok is profiting from the sale of fake beauty products, according to a report published by The Observer newspaper. The publication claims that, despite policies expressly forbidding the sale of counterfeit products, third-party vendors on the social media site’s in-app shopping feature are touting numerous dupes.
THE DETAILS Among the products offered for sale are dodgy Dior fragrances, Vaseline lip balms that have never seen a Unilever factory and fake Maybelline mascaras. Some products being sold via the site contain banned ingredients or are available only via prescription.
THE WHY? While TikTok has blocked searches for banned or prescription-only ingredients such as hydroquinone and tretinoin and told The Observer that it takes intellectual property infringement seriously, it clearly needs to do more or risk the ire of the brands and, more importantly, lose its slice of their advertising budgets.
Buying aesthetics supplies typically involves sourcing these items from licensed distributors, manufacturers, or specialized suppliers who cater specifically to the needs of aesthetic professionals. These supplies are integral to performing aesthetic treatments aimed at enhancing skin appearance, addressing various skin concerns, and improving overall beauty and wellness.
Examples of aesthetics supplies include:
-
Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to add volume and reduce wrinkles.
-
Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectables used to temporarily relax facial muscles and reduce wrinkles.
-
Laser Devices: Equipment used for hair removal, skin rejuvenation, tattoo removal, and other laser treatments.
-
Chemical Peels: Solutions applied to the skin to exfoliate and improve texture.
-
Microdermabrasion Devices: Tools used for mechanical exfoliation to rejuvenate skin.
-
Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production.
-
Cosmeceuticals: Skincare products that contain biologically active ingredients with pharmaceutical-like benefits.
-
Sterilization and Disinfection Products: Essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing infections in clinical settings.
