Ever scored a “too good to be true” deal on Japanese skincare online, only to end up with a product that felt off, smelled weird, or just didn’t work? Sadly, counterfeit and gray-market beauty products are everywhere—and they’re getting harder to spot. Not only can these fakes irritate your skin or cause breakouts, they’re a total waste of your hard-earned money. The most popular Japanese brands are the most frequently copied. So how can you protect yourself—and your face?

Watch Out: These Bestsellers Are Counterfeit Targets

Some Japanese skincare products are so beloved that counterfeiters just can’t resist. Here are three you should always buy from a trusted source:

MELANO CC Medicated Stain and Freckle Protection Whitening Lotion 170ml

This vitamin C powerhouse is a cult favorite for brightening and fading dark spots, but that popularity makes it a prime target for fakes. Counterfeit versions often have a strange scent, watery texture, or even ingredients that could irritate your skin. Only the authentic MELANO CC Whitening Lotion delivers the real results Japanese beauty fans swear by.

SUISAI Clear Black Powder N Wash 15 Packs

SUISAI’s enzyme powder washes are legendary for gentle exfoliation and pore care, but knockoffs are rampant. Fakes may clump, fail to foam, or lack the signature clean feel of the real deal. To get the pore-clearing benefits (and avoid sketchy ingredients), always choose authentic SUISAI Clear Black Powder N Wash.

SANA Nameraka Honpo Wrinkle Eye Cream 30g

This soy-based eye cream is a Japanese bestseller for smoothing fine lines and plumping tired under-eyes. Counterfeits can contain cheap fillers or even harmful chemicals. Real SANA Nameraka Honpo Wrinkle Eye Cream has a gentle, creamy consistency and proven results—don’t risk your delicate eye area on a fake.

How to Spot a Fake (and Why It’s Not Worth the Risk)

• Suspiciously low prices or “unboxed” items
• Misspelled Japanese, blurry printing, or odd packaging colors
• Weird scents, runny textures, or reactions after use
• No clear expiration/manufacturing date or batch code

Fakes aren’t just disappointing—they can be dangerous. You’re risking irritation, allergic reactions, or worse. When in doubt, don’t risk your skin (or your money).

Get the Real Deal—Shipped Directly from Japan

Want to be sure you’re getting authentic Japanese skincare? Shop at PasabuyJapan. Every item is imported directly from Japan and shipped to your door in the Philippines, so you never have to second-guess what you’re putting on your face. No fakes, no funny business—just the best of J-beauty, guaranteed.

PasabuyJapan: Authentic Japanese Skincare Delivered Safely to the Philippines!