How to Spot Fake The Ordinary Products in Pakistan: 7 Simple Checks

The Ordinary is one of the most copied skincare brands in Pakistan. Fakes and refilled bottles are sold on marketplaces, social media pages and even in some shops, often at prices that look too good to miss. A fake serum is not just a waste of money: you have no idea what is inside the bottle or whether it is safe to put on your face.

Here are the checks we suggest before you buy, and as soon as your parcel arrives.

1. Check the box and the seal

Genuine products come in a clean white box with sharp, even printing. Look closely at the box before you open it:

• The box should not look opened, re-glued, crushed and re-folded, or faded.
• Text should be crisp and straight, with no blurry letters, smudges or spelling mistakes.
• The product name and percentage on the box should exactly match the bottle inside.

2. Match the batch code on the box and the bottle

Every genuine product has a batch code. Find it on the box and on the bottle or tube. The two codes should match. A missing batch code, a code that looks handwritten or stuck on, or different codes on the box and the bottle are all warning signs.

Also look for the “period after opening” symbol: a small open jar with a number such as 12M, which tells you how many months the product lasts once opened.

3. Compare the ingredients with the official list

The full ingredient list (INCI) is printed on every box. Compare it with the ingredient list for the same product on The Ordinary’s official website. Counterfeiters often get the order wrong, miss ingredients or use outdated lists. If the lists do not match, do not use the product.

4. Look at the bottle, dropper and label

• The label should be straight, firmly stuck down and evenly printed.
• The dropper should fit properly and not leak.
• The product name, percentage and size on the label should be identical to the box.

5. Notice the texture, colour and smell

If you have used the product before and it suddenly looks, smells or feels very different (much thinner, a different colour, a strong perfume smell, separated or cloudy when it should not be), stop using it and contact the seller. If you are new to the product, check photos and reviews of the genuine version first.

6. Be careful with prices that are far too low

Imported skincare has real costs: shipping, customs and storage. If a price is far below what established sellers charge, ask yourself why. Very cheap “original” products and “imported from Dubai” deals are the most common source of fakes.

7. Check the seller, not just the product

A trustworthy seller is easy to reach and stands behind what they sell. Before ordering, check for:

• A real phone number and address you can contact
• A clear returns and replacement policy
• Reviews from real customers, including some that are not perfect
• Cash on Delivery, so you can see the parcel before you pay

What to do if you think a product is fake

1. Stop using it straight away.
2. Take clear photos of the box, the batch codes and the bottle.
3. Contact the seller and ask for a replacement or refund.
4. If your skin reacts, wash the area with water and see a doctor if the reaction does not settle.

How we handle authenticity at Ordinary Pakistan

We have been selling The Ordinary in Pakistan since 2019. We only send out sealed products, we call to confirm every order before dispatch, and you pay on delivery, so you can check your parcel first. If anything looks wrong when it arrives, call or WhatsApp us on 0336-4987076 with photos and we will sort it out. Damaged or incorrect items are replaced free of charge, as explained in our Refund and Returns Policy.

Not sure which products you need? Try our free Regimen Builder, or start with our best sellers: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.

OrdinaryPakistan.com is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with DECIEM, the company behind The Ordinary.