How can you recognize imitation Kirkland?
At Minodeals we are committed to offering only original products. We are aware of the challenges that consumers are confronted with distinguishing real and fake Kirkland, mainly because of the changes in packaging over the years. This guide is meant to help you verify the authenticity of your Kirkland product.
1. Packaging & Design
Authentic Kirkland is recognizable by a few distinctive characteristics in the package. One of the most striking features is the honeycomb design on the box. This unique pattern becomes visible when you keep the box close to a light source. This detail is an important aspect to check, because many counterfeit products do not have this specific design. The absence of this honeycomb pattern can be an indication that you are dealing with a non-authentic product.
In addition, another important detail is to pay attention to the way in which the expiry date is applied to the box. With original Kirkland products, the expiry date is engraved in the box, which gives a tangible texture. You can easily check this by gently going over the date with your fingernail. If you feel a relief, this is a good sign. With forged products, the expiry date is often simply pressed on the box, without any texture or depth. This is a clear sign that the product may not be authentic.
2. Physical properties
Authentic Kirkland can be recognized by its specific color and texture. The product has a slightly oily consistency, which contributes to the effective application and absorption on the scalp. Moreover, the real Kirkland shows a subtle yellowish shade when you look at it in the bottle. This color is a natural feature of the authentic formula.
In contrast to the real product, forged versions can show a significantly different color and consistency. For example, counterfeit products can be clear and watery, or have an unnatural color that does not match the characteristic yellow hue of the original formula. It is therefore crucial to accurately assess both the color and texture when verifying the authenticity of the product.
The scent of authentic Kirkland is another important aspect to consider. The product must contain a clear scent of alcohol, similar to that of Wodka. This scent is a consequence of the alcohol base in the formula, which helps to promote absorption and the effectiveness of treatment. The scent must be somewhat closed and persistent, which means that it will hang in the nose for a while after you have smelled the product.
With forged versions of Kirkland, the scent can differ considerably. Falsifications can have a lighter, less pronounced alcohol scent, or even a scent that is fresher and easier to breathe. This difference in odor can be a clear indication that the product is not authentic.
3. Crystallization
One of the most striking features of the original Kirkland lotion is the ability to crystallize when drying up. This unique characteristic is noticeable on the skin and outside the skin, such as on the edge of the bottle or the cap.
When the original Kirkland lotion dries up after applying to the skin, it gradually starts to crystallize. This results in a slightly crusty texture in the area where it was applied. This crystallization process is a natural reaction of the ingredients in the lotion, in particular the alcohol base, when it comes into contact with air and starts to evaporate.
The same crystallization also occurs when small drops of the lotion dry outside the skin, such as on the inside of the bottle cap. After a while, these drops will harden and form a crystal -like texture. This is a good sign of the authenticity of the product. If your lotion does not crystallize after drying, both on the skin and outside the skin, this may indicate a non-authentic product.
It is important to note that the crystallization process can take some time and depend on the ambient temperature and humidity. If the product does not crystallize immediately, this does not necessarily mean that it is fake. However, if no crystallization occurs after a longer period, this is a strong sign that the product may not be real.
4. Prices and sales channels
An important aspect to consider when purchasing Kirkland is the price and the sales channel. Authentic Kirkland products are usually sold at a market price. Therefore, be extremely careful with offers that promise extremely low prices. Although it can be tempting to choose the cheapest option, it is important to realize that considerably lower prices can often be an indication of counterfeit products. These falsified products can not only be ineffective, but also entail potential health risks.
In addition to the price, the sales channel where you purchase Kirkland is of great importance. Platforms such as eBay, Marktplaats and other comparable online market places can be a breeding ground for fakes. Although these sites offer a wide range of products, the authenticity of health and beauty products that are sold there is not always guaranteed. Sellers on these platforms can easily offer fake products.
5. Bleach test
An interesting and less well -known method to test the authenticity of Kirkland is what is known as the 'Bleach test'. This test means that you mix 1 ml with an equal amount of toilet cleaner (which contains pale). Perform this test in a safe environment, preferably in a well -ventilated room and with suitable protection, such as gloves and safety glasses.
When you mix the two liquids, observe the color change of the mixture. With authentic Kirkland, the mixture will turn into a bright yellow color. This color change is due to the chemical reaction between the active ingredients of the lotion and the components in the toilet cleaner.
However, it is important to know that some counterfeiters are aware of this test and have adjusted their fake products in such a way that they can also become bright yellow at the bleach test. That is why this test should not be used as the only means to determine the authenticity of Kirkland. It is advisable to use this test in combination with other methods, such as checking the packaging, texture, odor and crystallization properties.
