Silent danger lurks in the cosmetics market in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s cosmetics market is booming, with thousands of branded, non-branded, domestic and foreign products flooding the shelves. From hair care to skin care, there are more than 500 types of cosmetics readily available.

But beneath this dazzling variety lies a pressing concern: a significant portion of these products are unverified, counterfeit or counterfeit, seriously endangering consumer health.

Despite its mandate, the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) – the national authority for setting and enforcing quality standards – has certified only 106 products out of hundreds circulating in the market. Many harmful chemicals in these unregulated products cause great harm to public health, but oversight remains minimal.

A cosmetic catastrophe: 70% of products on the market are fake

Sellers themselves often have difficulty distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit products. Factories in areas such as Chawkbazar and Keraniganj in Dhaka, and in several district towns, produce counterfeit cosmetics that closely mimic well-known brands. These counterfeits are sold openly, even in major supermarkets, with packaging that reflects international brands.

According to the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), 70% of cosmetics in the country are counterfeit or of poor quality. Many products lack essential labeling, expiration dates or accurate manufacturer information.

A CAB survey found that 45% of cosmetic products do not have BSTI certification and 75% do not list the manufacturer’s address.

Former DG of the National Consumer Rights Protection Department, AHM Shafiquzzaman, now Minister of Labor and Employment, confirmed that most imported cosmetics enter the market through illegal channels, bypassing proper controls. “There is no cosmetic product in Bangladesh that is not counterfeit. This is a serious threat to public health,” he said.

Hazardous chemicals in daily use

Harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury, benzophenone, arsenic, cadmium and parabens are often found in low-quality cosmetics. Although parabens, used as a preservative, extend the shelf life of products, they have been linked to serious health risks, including endocrine disruption and cancer.

Dr. Md Abul Hashem, senior technical advisor of the research organization ESDO, highlighted the serious consequences of using such products. “High levels of toxic chemicals are silently damaging our health. Regular use increases the risk of skin cancer and other diseases,” he explains.

BSTI still needs to develop systems to extensively test these harmful substances. While some progress has been made in banning products high in lead and mercury, little attention has been paid to newer harmful chemicals such as parabens.

Health risks and lack of supervision

The long-term health consequences of using counterfeit cosmetics are alarming. According to Dr Faruque Pathan of Birdem Hospital, the uncontrolled use of harmful chemicals in everyday products has contributed to the rising incidence of hormone disorders, infertility and cancer. “The inaction of the regulatory bodies is costing people their lives,” he said.

The call for reforms

Despite growing demand for cosmetics, BSTI’s response has been slow and limited. The standards set by the organization cover only 30% of products, while the rest remains unregulated. CAB vice-president SM Nazer Hossain criticized BSTI for its inaction and said: “As a national standard-setting body, BSTI cannot avoid its responsibility. Their delays in formulating appropriate standards have left consumers unprotected.”

However, BSTI officials cite resource limitations. Assistant Director Manjurul Karim commented: “While we have created standards for mainstream cosmetics, the rapid market growth makes it challenging to keep up.”

What needs to change?

Experts agree that stricter regulations and more robust enforcement are urgently needed. The policy should focus on:

– Extension of the BSTI certification to all cosmetics.

– Banning harmful chemicals such as parabens.

– Tough action against counterfeit production and illegal import.

– Increasing public awareness about the dangers of low-quality cosmetics.

The government, manufacturers and consumer rights organizations must work together to restore confidence in the cosmetics market and protect public health. As the market grows, so does the responsibility to ensure quality and safety – something that Bangladesh can no longer overlook.