Dhaka, November 7, 2024 – Bangladesh’s cosmetics market is facing a growing crisis as counterfeit and substandard products flood the market, putting consumer health at serious risk. Experts warn that nearly 70% of cosmetics sold in the country—both local and foreign—fail to meet safety standards, leading to an alarming increase in skin disorders, hair loss, and even organ damage.
Dr. Sharmina Haque, a leading skincare expert, expressed concern over the harmful effects of counterfeit products: “Many of these fake cosmetics contain toxic chemicals that can penetrate the skin and cause long-term damage to internal organs, such as the liver and kidneys. We are already seeing increasing cases of severe skin reactions and hair loss among users.”

The widespread availability of low-quality foreign cosmetics, especially from countries like France, India, and Turkey, has become a key factor driving this crisis. Smuggling operations are rampant, bypassing customs and flooding the market with adulterated products. With their flashy packaging and aggressive advertising, these foreign brands are often indistinguishable from legitimate, high-quality products, making it difficult for consumers to spot the difference.

The government’s response, the Medicines and Cosmetics Act-2023, was designed to address the problem by penalizing counterfeit manufacturers and sellers. However, its enforcement has been lackluster. Experts are calling for more robust action to curb the illegal trade and protect consumers.

Jamal Uddin, General Secretary of the Association of Skin Care and Beauty Products Manufacturers and Exporters Bangladesh, emphasized the urgent need for stronger regulation: “We need more frequent raids and tighter market surveillance to prevent these dangerous products from flooding the market. Without swift action, the local industry and consumer health will continue to suffer.”

Despite these challenges, local companies like Remark-Harlan are gaining consumer trust by offering high-quality, safe alternatives.

While local brands are making progress, experts stress that Bangladesh needs more stringent regulations and stronger enforcement to protect public health and support the growth of homegrown industries. Without these changes, the country could continue to struggle with substandard foreign products filling the shelves.