How to check if Korean skincare is genuine in India
Counterfeit and grey-market K-beauty is easy to find in India and hard to spot. These six checks on the back of the pack help you tell a genuine import from a risky one.
Six checks on the back of the pack
- Check 1
Importer name and address in India
Every imported cosmetic sold in India has to name its importer on the pack. A missing, blank or foreign-only address is a red flag.
On packs we bring in: Hanguk Skin Private Limited, Gurugram, Haryana.
- Check 2
Import registration number (RC No.)
Imported cosmetics need a registration certificate from CDSCO, India's national regulator for drugs and cosmetics. Its number is printed on the pack, usually marked RC No. or Reg. Cert. No.
Our products carry the RC No. of their import registration.
- Check 3
MRP in rupees, inclusive of all taxes
Packs meant for sale in India show a maximum retail price in rupees, inclusive of all taxes. A pack with only a Korean or US price was not packed for sale here.
Every pack we supply shows an Indian MRP.
- Check 4
Country of origin, spelled correctly
Look for "Made in Korea" or "Country of origin: Republic of Korea". Spelling mistakes on the label are a common sign of fakes.
We carry Korean brands only.
- Check 5
Batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates
These should be printed clearly and match on the box and the product. Scratched-off, covered or re-printed dates are a warning sign.
Partners can request batch details for any product we supply.
- Check 6
Consumer care details
Retail packs in India list a contact for complaints, such as a phone number or email. No contact usually means no one is responsible for the product.
Our packs list our consumer care details.
Other warning signs
- A price far below other sellers. Genuine imports carry import, registration and storage costs.
- Blurry printing or uneven fonts on the box or label.
- Seals that are missing, torn or re-glued.
- A seller who can't say who imported the product.
- Texture, colour or smell that feels different from what you know. Stop using it if your skin reacts.
For retailers: what to ask your supplier
Your store carries the risk when a customer gets a fake. Before you stock any Korean brand, ask your supplier for:
- The importer of record in India for each product
- The import registration certificate (RC) for the products
- Purchase invoices and batch details
- Who handles complaints and recalls
HANGUK SKIN shares all of these with its retail partners. See how we work with retailers →
Questions
Is a product without an Indian MRP sticker always fake?
Not always. But it was not officially imported for sale in India, so it may not have been registered, stored or labelled for the Indian market.
What should I do if I think a product is fake?
Stop using it, keep the pack and the bill, and contact the seller. You can also raise a complaint with the National Consumer Helpline (1915).
Do these checks work for any brand?
Yes. They apply to any imported cosmetic sold in India, not only the brands we carry.
Stock Korean beauty you can trace
Talk to us about genuine, officially imported Korean brands for your store.