Online Counterfeit Cosmetics Pose Regulators a Massive Challenge

March 7^th 2014, the China Authentic Cosmetics Alliance released the first-ever Cosmetics Security Index Report. This report was co-announced by more than 100 domestic and foreign cosmetics companies under the supervision of several authorities such as the China Consumer Association (CCA) and the Internet Society of China (ISC) .  
 
According to the report, more than 20% of cosmetics products sold online are counterfeits after a comparison between figures on the sale of authorized products and the the actual quantity of items sold. Bringing the integrity of cosmetics purchased online into further disrepute, in a recent survey nine out of ten consumers have called into question the authenticity of  products purchased online. Such a resounding lack of consumer confidence has serious implications for both regulators and the cosmetics industry.  Consumer trends have shifted away from traditional cosmetic purchasing channels highlighted by the continuing rise in internet shopping.  A strengthened regulatory and supervisiory system is imperative in order to crack down on counterfeits and protect consumer rights.