The more popular a brand is, the more it gets copied. Imported dermatologist brands like Cetaphil, The Ordinary, Bioderma and Neutrogena are high on the list in Bangladesh, because they cost more and buyers trust the names. This guide covers the checks that work for all of them, plus brand-specific tips.
The 7 universal checks
- Price that makes sense. Imported products have shipping and import costs. Prices far below the usual rate are the clearest warning sign.
- Smell, texture and colour. Many dermatologist products are fragrance-free. A strong perfume, odd colour or changed texture is a red flag.
- Print and packaging. Sharp text, straight labels, no spelling mistakes, and a seal on tubs and pumps.
- A full ingredient list. Genuine products always print the full INCI ingredient list.
- Batch code and expiry printed clearly, matching on box and bottle.
- Barcode that matches the product when searched (see below).
- A real seller with real product photos, a delivery and return process, and a track record.
Brand-specific tips
Cetaphil
Cetaphil’s best-known cleansers and moisturisers are fragrance-free and made for sensitive skin, so a perfumed smell is a warning. Cetaphil packs differ between markets (for example the US, UK, Europe and Asia), so do not panic over small design differences, but the printing should be clean and consistent. Shop Cetaphil.
The Ordinary
The Ordinary was one of the brands Which? found being sold as likely fakes by online marketplace sellers in 2025. The brand’s labels state the active and its percentage clearly, such as “Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%”. Be wary of spelling errors, unusually low prices and bottles sold without the outer box when the box is normally included. Shop The Ordinary.
Bioderma
Bioderma is a French brand, so its barcodes usually start with 3 (France). Its micellar waters and Atoderm range should have clean French and English text and a clear batch code. Shop Bioderma.
Neutrogena
Check that the product name and size on the pack match the barcode search result, and that the print is sharp. Shop Neutrogena.
How to read the barcode
The first digits of a barcode show the country where the barcode number was registered (the GS1 prefix). It does not always show where the product was made, but it should match the market printed on the pack.
| Barcode starts with | Registered in |
|---|---|
| 000 to 139 | USA and Canada |
| 300 to 379 | France |
| 400 to 440 | Germany |
| 500 to 509 | United Kingdom |
| 880 | South Korea |
| 890 | India |
| 690 to 699 | China |
Search the full barcode number on Google. A genuine product’s barcode usually brings up the same product name and size on official or major retailer sites. If it shows a different product, or nothing at all, ask the seller.
Use batch codes to check freshness
Batch code websites show roughly when a product was made, so you can make sure you are getting fresh stock. Use them together with the checks above and a trusted seller.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my product look different from the brand website?
Brands sell different pack designs in different countries, and update designs over time. A different design is not proof of a fake. Poor printing, wrong spelling, wrong smell or texture are much stronger signs.
Is a “Made in” country different from the brand’s home country a problem?
Not always. Big brands make products in several countries. What matters is that the pack is consistent and the product is right.
Where can I buy original skincare in Bangladesh?
Order from a trusted shop that sources from reliable suppliers and lets you check your order at delivery, like Lume and Layer.
Also read: how to check if CeraVe is original, how to spot fake Korean skincare and how to spot fake skincare.
The easiest way to get the real thing
Skip the guesswork: buy from a trusted shop. At Lume and Layer, every product is sourced from trusted suppliers, packed with care and delivered to your door. You can check your order when it arrives and pay cash on delivery, so you shop with total peace of mind.
Delivery across Bangladesh: ৳100 inside Dhaka, ৳150 outside Dhaka.