Knockoff Perfumes Made with Urine and Who Knows What Else
A week ago, Good Morning America aired a segment investigating counterfeit perfumes. The investigation found that many knockoff versions of your favorite fragrances are made with dangerous and disgusting substances like “urine, antifreeze and bacteria,” according to Valerie Salembier, senior VP and publisher of Harper’s Bazaar, who has been studying counterfeit luxury goods for more than six years now. It gets worse. According to the investigation, money spent on fake fragrances often ends up in the hands of organizations that support terrorism, drug cartels and child labor. Basically, buying counterfeit fragrances from street vendors, online or even the mall is risky. You don’t know where your money is going and, given that the product is applied to many sensitive areas of your body, you subject yourself to health risks (e.g. Contact Dermatitis). Check out the investigation below:
It’s often that I hear of women purchasing knockoff handbags from street vendors or kiosks. Although the fake fragrance market is nearly $7 million and rapidly growing (up from $1.2 million in 2007!), I haven’t heard as much talk of women buying them? Have you tried a knockoff version of your favorite fragrance for a cost savings? Keep in mind, by no means are we passing judgment. We’d love to know!
Click over to Harper Bazaar Magazine to learn how you can spot a fake scent – from its color to its label to where you bought it.
