- Exposure to counterfeit nail care products. Counterfeiters use primary products not listed by recognized organizations such as FDA and COLIPA as approved ingredients. Nail polishes and other nail care products of this kind use industrial ingredients which are not made to be in direct contact with our bodies. One of the main risks posed by altered nail polish is unhealthy exposure to heavy metals. Higher contents of arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium and chromium, among others have been identified in counterfeit nail polishes. Presence above healthy levels of these metals can affect directly vital organs such as kidneys and the central nervous system. Prolonged exposure can cause even death. Banned ingredients are toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resins, camphor and dibutylphthalate.
- Low quality end products. Counterfeit nail care products are not made to last. These products do not comply with industry and consumers quality standards. Their functionality is defective, which is expressed in weak film forming on nails, leveling issues, low brightness, deficient dry out, bubbly or scratched textures and irregular surfaces upon application. This goes completely against consumers expectations and the reputation of original brands.
- Affected industry. Piracy permeates every industry and the cosmetics is not free from it. Buying nail polishes from the illegal market negatively affects legal sector sales, cutting formal jobs and therefore boosting unemployment. This fosters unfair competition and may increase delinquency.