Quick answer
A fast, scannable real-vs-fake checklist — packaging, batch code, texture, smell, price and seller. Save it and run through it before paying for any skincare in Bangladesh.
Want the authentic one? Every product on TheSkinProof is invoice-verified.
Check a product free →Save this checklist. Before you pay for any cream, serum or sunscreen in Bangladesh, run through these signs. The more "fake" boxes a product ticks, the more you should walk away.
Packaging
- Real: crisp printing, aligned labels, secure seal, correct logo and font.
- Fake: blurry text, crooked labels, spelling errors, loose or missing seal.
Batch code & dates
- Real: clear batch code + manufacture/expiry date you can read and verify.
- Fake: no code, scratched-off code, or dates that do not match the box.
Texture & smell
- Real: consistent colour and texture, the expected mild scent.
- Fake: odd colour, grainy or separated texture, strong chemical or "too perfumed" smell.
Price
- Real: within the normal retail range for Bangladesh.
- Fake: dramatically cheaper than everywhere else — the classic bait.
Seller & proof
- Real: can show an importer invoice, offers returns/guarantee.
- Fake: anonymous page, no invoice, "no return" policy.
Two-second verdict
If a product fails on batch code + price + seller proof, do not buy it. Run it through our authenticity checker and check the banned list first.
Want to skip the guesswork entirely? Every item in our catalogue is invoice-verified and batch-checked. For the full deep-dive, read our guide on choosing authentic skincare.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to spot a fake skincare product?
Check three things first: the batch code (must be readable and verifiable), the price (a dramatic discount is a red flag), and the seller (can they show an importer invoice and offer returns?). Failing those three is enough reason to walk away.
Does a strong smell mean a product is fake?
Not always, but an unexpectedly strong chemical or overly perfumed smell, combined with odd colour or separated texture, is a common counterfeit sign — especially for products that are normally fragrance-free.
What should I do if a product fails the real-vs-fake checklist?
Don’t use it. Stop, keep the packaging and proof of purchase, and report it to the seller and platform. Buying from a seller with a genuine money-back-if-fake guarantee (like TheSkinProof’s 2× refund) means a failed check costs you nothing.
Where should I buy a product that passes this real-vs-fake checklist?
Buy from a seller who can show the importer invoice and batch number for the product. TheSkinProof checks every listed product against a similar checklist before it goes on sale.
Do I have to accept a cash-on-delivery package if it looks suspicious at the door?
No, you can inspect the packaging and batch code when the delivery arrives and decline the package if something looks wrong. One advantage of cash on delivery is that you verify before you pay.