How To Tell If Olaplex Is Fake (9 Ways)

In a world flooded with beauty products promising miraculous transformations, finding the real deal can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. As a firm believer in the magic of Olaplex, my recent encounter with a fake product left me both frustrated and determined to never let it happen again.

It all began when I stumbled upon an enticing online deal for Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector. The price was too good to resist, and the website appeared legitimate at first glance. Without a second thought, I made the purchase and eagerly awaited the arrival of my beloved Olaplex treatment. But as they say, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

How to tell a fake Olaplex? Upon opening the package, I was immediately struck by an odd discrepancy. The packaging felt slightly off – the colors seemed a tad muted, and the font was not as sharp. I dismissed these observations as minor variations, attributing them to possible updates in packaging. However, my excitement turned to concern when I noticed a faint chemical odor emanating from the bottle. This was a stark contrast to the usual pleasant scent of Olaplex products that I'd grown accustomed to. My skepticism heightened.

Curiosity piqued, and I embarked on a mission to verify the authenticity of my purchase. I meticulously compared every detail of the bottle, label, and packaging to images from the official Olaplex website. The holographic sticker, which should have contained a unique serial number, lacked the holographic effect altogether. Alarms were ringing loudly in my mind.

Determined to put my suspicions to rest, I reached out to Olaplex's customer support. They responded promptly and guided me through the process of validating the product's authenticity. It turned out that my instincts had been spot on – the product I had purchased was indeed a counterfeit. Disappointment washed over me, not only because of the money wasted but also because I had unknowingly subjected my hair to a potentially harmful treatment.

The experience taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of due diligence. Authenticity is more than just a buzzword; it's a critical factor in ensuring the effectiveness and safety of the products we use. Since that incident, I've become extra cautious about where I source my beauty products. I've also shared my story with friends and family to raise awareness about the prevalence of counterfeit products and the steps one can take to avoid falling victim to them.

Here are some tips to help you identify fake Olaplex products:

  1. Purchase from Authorized Retailers: Buy Olaplex products only from authorized retailers (scroll down to the authorized retailers in this link), such as reputable beauty supply stores, salons, and the official Olaplex website. Avoid purchasing from third-party sellers on platforms like eBay, Amazon, or other online marketplaces, as these can have a higher risk of counterfeit products.

  2. Check Packaging: Examine the packaging closely. Counterfeit products might have discrepancies in terms of color, font, logo size, and overall quality of printing. Compare the packaging of the product you have with images from the official Olaplex website to spot any differences.

  3. Inspect Labels and Barcodes: Look for any misspelled words, typos, or errors on the labels. Genuine Olaplex products typically have accurate and professional labeling. Also, check the barcode on the packaging – it should match the product details listed on the Olaplex website.

  4. Check QR Code: All Olaplex consumer products contain QR codes on the bottom back side. If a QR code is missing, scratched off, or tampered with in any way, do not buy it as the product could be fake, expired, or diluted.

  5. Price Consideration: Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Counterfeit products might be offered at significantly lower prices than the genuine ones. Compare the prices with those from authorized retailers to get an idea of the typical cost.

  6. Smell and Texture: If you've used Olaplex products before, you might be familiar with their scent and texture. If a product smells or feels significantly different from what you remember, it could be a sign that it's fake.

  7. Research the Seller: If you're buying from an online retailer or marketplace, research the seller's reputation and customer feedback. Reputable sellers are less likely to sell counterfeit products.

  8. Contact Olaplex: If you're unsure about the authenticity of a product, you can contact Olaplex directly through their official channels to inquire about the product in question. They might be able to provide guidance on how to verify its authenticity.

  9. Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn't feel right about the product or the transaction, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid making the purchase

Identifying fake Olaplex was a journey that tested my patience and attention to detail. While it might have been a setback, it ultimately empowered me to become a more informed consumer. Today, I can confidently say that I'm armed with the knowledge to spot a fake Olaplex from a mile away, and I'm committed to spreading the word to ensure others don't get caught in the web of counterfeit beauty products.

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Sky Hoon
Hair Lover, Idea Starter. He started HairQueenie, which is ranked #27 in the FeedSpot Top 40 Hair Care Blogs and mentions in ManeAddicts and Tempest. Hair is not everything but something. He started Hairqueenie to share great hair products. Over time, he found there are more value to share answers to hair problems that cannot be found easily.
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