\n<\/p>\n
Not all products that have different ingredients or a different chemical composition, however, are counterfeits.<\/p>\n
Some are parallel imports, commonly known as \u201cgrey market products\u201d, said Ng. They are authentic and produced by or for the brand owners but are \u201cmeant for a different market\u201d.<\/p>\n
These products might pass quality controls in developing countries, for instance, but may not necessarily meet a developed country\u2019s standards, he cited.<\/p>\n
Two of the moisturisers Talking Point purchased online might be parallel imports, he reckoned. They had a 52 to 63 per cent similarity to the reference product.<\/p>\n
Parallel imports aside, skincare products are undoubtedly susceptible to counterfeiting because of their \u201chigh perceived value\u201d and profit margin, said Ng, who identified several tiers of counterfeiters.<\/p>\n
There are those who \u201cjust want to make a quick buck\u201d. Then there may be predatory competitors, original equipment manufacturers or distributors \u2014 with knowledge of the distribution channels \u2014 that \u201ctry to copy the products from the brand owners\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n