Unknown ingredients
With counterfeit or diluted fragrances, no one knows what substances are actually contained. Industrial chemicals, solvents or inferior fragrances can be used without being noticeable.
This can happen when you buy without verification.
Pre-owned fragrances are an attractive market, but buying without independent verification carries serious risks. What looks genuine in photos may be counterfeit, diluted or damaged.
The market in numbers
Mrd. €The European fragrance and cosmetics industry loses sales every year due to counterfeit products.
%of the entire industry turnover in the EU is accounted for by counterfeit products.
When a fragrance is purchased privately, it goes through independent testing steps without Verification.
Source: EUIPO — Economic Impact of Counterfeiting in the Clothing, Cosmetics and Toy Sectors (2024)
Health risks
What's really in the bottle?
The biggest risk when buying untested fragrances is invisible: the liquid itself. Neither the smell nor the appearance allow reliable conclusions to be drawn about the actual ingredients.
No EU regulation
Original fragrances are subject to the EU Cosmetics Regulation. Counterfeits are produced without these standards — often in uncertified facilities without quality control, traceability or safety data.
Skin irritations and allergies
Untested ingredients can trigger contact allergies, skin irritations or more severe reactions. The risk is particularly significant if you have sensitive skin or existing allergies.
Stretched liquid
Original bottles are often filled with cheap alcohol, water or fragrances of inferior quality. The mixing ratio and the substances are completely unknown.
Original, declared
Fake or stretched
Alkohol· ca. 75 % Fragrance oil approx. 20% Wasser· ca. 5 %
Schematic representation — Proportions vary depending on scent and concentration.
Other risks
More than a health risk
In addition to the health risks, buyers without Verification are exposed to other problems that often only come to light after the purchase.
Counterfeits & Product Fraud
Counterfeit bottles, manipulated packaging and fake labels are difficult for laypeople to recognize. Deceptively genuine replicas are foisted on high-quality original brands.
No buyer protection
When buying from private individuals or unverified dealers, there is no independent body that intervenes. If the fragrance is fake or faulty, you are left with the loss.
Unknown storage history
Heat, light and moisture permanently degrade fragrances. Without documented storage, it is impossible to determine whether the scent, colour and quality still correspond to the original.
Description does not match
Fill level, bottle size, condition and completeness are purely a matter of trust for unverified products. Discrepancies are often only discovered when unpacking - too late for a return.
No independent standard
Without a neutral testing authority, there is no uniform assessment scheme for authenticity or condition. Each seller describes at their own discretion.
No chemical testing
Neither composition nor purity are tested. A trained eye alone cannot determine what is really in the bottle - this requires measurement technology and reference data.
Stored dark, cool & documented Exposed to heat, light & oxygen
Schematic representation - the actual course depends on the scent and storage conditions.
Test yourself
Can you spot the original?
Two nearly identical bottles, but only one is genuine. Inspect both with the magnifier, rotate them and make your choice. We then reveal the details that expose the counterfeit.
Maison Éclat · Nº 7
Which bottle is the original?
Links
Drehen
Rechts
Drehen
Choose a bottle.
Independent test steps in comparison
Private purchase without verification
0/12
Purchase through ERTZU
12/12
Buy safely — with ERTZU Verification.
Every fragrance on ERTZU goes through a 12-step review process before being forwarded to the buyer.