How to Know if a Perfume is Original?

Buying a counterfeit perfume can be a frustrating experience, leading to wasted money and potentially skin irritation. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to verify the authenticity of a product you have purchased or are considering buying.

1. Check the UPC Code (Universal Product Code)

This is one of the most reliable digital methods to ensure the packaging matches the product.

  • Where to find the number: The UPC code is a numerical barcode usually located on the bottom of the external packaging of the perfume.

  • How to check: There are dedicated websites online that allow you to enter the UPC code and see which product it is associated with in international databases.

    • Comparison: After entering the number, verify that the perfume name and company name displayed on the checking website exactly match the product you have. If there is a mismatch, it is likely a fake.

2. Check the Batch Code / Lot Number

The batch code is a unique stamp proving that the perfume was manufactured by the original company, and it even lets you know when it was produced.

  • Where to find it: The code is stamped (usually engraved or clearly printed) on both the bottom of the external packaging and the bottom of the perfume bottle itself.

  • Crucial Match: The batch code on the outer box must exactly match the batch code on the bottle. If the numbers are different, it is an almost certain sign of a fake or "repackaging" of old inventory.

  • Check Validity: You can enter this batch code on validity-checking websites (such as CheckFresh or CheckCosmetic) to confirm that the product exists in the manufacturer's database and to see its production date.

3. Examine the Outer Packaging

Original manufacturers invest heavily in the quality of their packaging, while counterfeiters tend to cut corners on these details.

Parameter Original Perfume Counterfeit Perfume (Fake)
Cellophane Wrap Wrapped tightly and smoothly around the box. The seal is clean and without wrinkles. Wrapped poorly, with noticeable folds, sloppy or wavy seams.
Printing & Text Logos and text are printed in high quality, without blurring, spelling errors, or incorrect fonts. Printing is blurred, lacks focus, or includes obvious spelling mistakes (especially in fine print).
Box Cardboard Thick, high-quality cardboard, often with an internal "tray" that holds the bottle securely in place.

Thin and weak cardboard, without adequate internal support for the bottle.

 

4. Inspect the Bottle and Its Quality

The bottle itself is often a work of art for most luxury brands.

  • Glass: The glass in an original perfume is smooth, thick, and free of air bubbles or defects.

  • Cap: The cap is usually heavy, sits symmetrically, and closes tightly. It often has a luxurious feel and weight.

  • Spray Tube (Siphon): The tube should be almost invisible, thin, and straight. In fake perfumes, the tube can be thick, bent, or excessively long.

  • Bottle Bottom: Look out for a poorly printed or stuck-on label. An original perfume will have the batch code and brand details engraved or high-quality printed directly onto the glass.

5. The Scent, Longevity, and Liquid

Ultimately, this is what you are paying for.

  • Scent: Original perfumes have a complexity of scent layers (top, middle, and base notes) that develop over time. Fakes usually smell like strong alcohol with a flat fragrance that disappears quickly.

  • Longevity: Original perfume is designed to last. If the fragrance disappears completely within a short hour, it is a suspicious sign.

  • Liquid Color: If you are familiar with the perfume, ensure the liquid color matches what you remember. Also, look out for the presence of sediment or cloudiness in the liquid—a clear sign of a fake.

💡 For Peace of Mind

The safest way to ensure authenticity is to only buy from authorized and reputable sellers, or from large, established department stores and pharmacies.