Perfumes and colognes in the illegal trade

Abstract

Perfumes and colognes are produced with a careful selection of raw materials, which are combined to provide a unique characteristic and of high value-added product. Due to the huge profits provided to the cosmetic industry, the sale of counterfeit goods has been growing. This study aimed at assessing the authenticity and safety of perfumes and colognes of national brands marketed in the clandestine trade of São Paulo, by evaluating the following parameters microbiological, cytotoxicity, chromatographic profile and authenticity. Characteristics differences between the samples and the reference standards were found, indicating that they were not manufactured by the industry companies which hold the perfume brand. Theses findings serve as a warning to intensify the surveillance and to follow the measures against the practice of forgery, as by means of educational campaigns, for elucidating the risks that these products can cause to the consumers health and safety.