The amount of counterfeit products circulating in the cosmetology sector in Russia has risen significantly in recent years. This concern was highlighted by a deputy from the State Duma, who belongs to the Communist Party faction, during a discussion on safe beauty practices at a major industry gathering.
The deputy took part in a panel on Safe Beauty during the IV Russian Pharmaceutical Forum Medicine Safety, which took place within the SPIEF-2024 framework. The aim was to examine how consumer safety can be protected as the cosmetic and medical-aesthetic market evolves and expands across the country.
Statistics presented for 2023 show that of the official turnover worth 40 billion rubles in the fields of pharmaceuticals and medical products used in aesthetic cosmetology, roughly 20 billion rubles were attributed to the gray market. That is a substantial portion of the market operating outside formal channels, and stakeholders note that this share continues to grow as demand increases and supply chains adapt. The persistence of this split between official and unofficial sales raises questions about regulatory effectiveness, consumer awareness, and market oversight. A panelist with experience in industry analytics emphasized the need for robust tracking and stricter penalties to curb illegal distribution. The general concern is not merely price differences but the potential risks to patient safety when non-certified products enter cosmetic procedures. [citation]
During the discussion, it was highlighted that a large portion of patients—around a majority—express doubt about their ability to distinguish counterfeit products from legitimate ones. An executive representative from a leading exhibition and trade show for the sector concurred, adding that even seasoned beauticians and medical professionals can struggle to identify fake items. This uncertainty underscores the importance of clear labeling, verified supply chains, and ongoing professional training to improve recognition of authentic products and reduce risk to clients. [citation]
Experts agreed that one contributing factor behind the gray market growth is the unrestricted sale of banned or restricted pharmaceutical and medical products within recognized marketplaces. The ease of access on various platforms can outpace regulatory controls, enabling the distribution of items that should not be marketed for cosmetic use or require specialized oversight. This situation calls for enhanced vetting of sellers, stricter enforcement, and better consumer education about the potential harms associated with unverified injections or treatments. [citation]
Concerns were also raised about the increasing frequency of individuals purchasing injectable drugs online, often without proper knowledge of their composition. When such substances are used for beauty injections, the lack of transparency about contents and quality can lead to adverse outcomes. Industry observers stressed the importance of professional supervision, verified manufacturing origins, and safer alternatives for those seeking aesthetic improvements. [citation]
Earlier commentary noted that a notable number of injections are administered annually in the country, reflecting high demand for cosmetic procedures. The discussion underscored that safeguarding patient health requires coordinated actions across regulatory bodies, healthcare professionals, and industry groups to curb counterfeit products and promote legitimate, safe options. [citation]