"Not Collagen, But Gollagen?"... APR Issues Warning on Counterfeit Chinese Products

APR "Mediqueube" Faces Surge in Counterfeit Distribution on Open Markets
Difficult to Identify Harmful Ingredients in Counterfeits... Concerns Over Further Damages
Caution Advised for Online Open Markets and Unofficial Smart Stores
"Please Purchase Only from Official Sales Channels"

APR has issued a consumer advisory to prevent damages related to the distribution of counterfeit products of its leading beauty brand, Mediqueube, on domestic and international open markets.

On May 28, APR announced that it had posted a notice titled "Consumer Advisory on Counterfeit Products" on the official Mediqueube online store. This action was taken in response to the recent increase in consumer damage cases, as counterfeit Mediqueube products made in China have been distributed through domestic and international open markets.

Mediqueube 'Collagen Night Wrapping Mask' genuine and counterfeit comparison image. The counterfeit product is labeled 'Gollagen' instead of 'Collagen'. Provided by APR.

Counterfeit sellers have been found to open stores on open markets, copy images from Mediqueube’s official website or authorized sellers’ detailed pages to make their stores appear legitimate, and then ship counterfeit products to consumers after purchase.

The counterfeit products identified so far include: PDRN Pink Peptide Ampoule, PDRN Collagen Capsule Cream, PDRN Exosome Shot, Collagen Night Wrapping Mask?which are especially popular PDRN and collagen products in overseas markets?as well as Deep VitaC Capsule Cream and Zero Exosome Shot.

These counterfeit products not only use the Mediqueube logo without authorization, but also closely mimic the packaging and containers of genuine products, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between authentic and fake items. However, differences have been observed in the actual products, such as discrepancies in the formulation, typographical and grammatical errors in product names or descriptions.

For example, in the case of the counterfeit "Collagen Night Wrapping Mask," the product is labeled "Gollagen" instead of "Collagen," and on some items, the capacity is indicated as "mi" instead of "ml." The legally required "cosmetic product distributor" information contains addresses that do not exist in Korea, and spacing and letter placement are also recorded in ways that violate Korean language rules.

The biggest issue with using counterfeit products is the inability to accurately identify the ingredients contained in them. Because it is difficult to determine the types and amounts of harmful substances, there are concerns about additional damages beyond financial loss.

To prevent damages from counterfeit products, APR strongly recommends purchasing Mediqueube products only through official sales channels rather than unverified open markets. Currently, Mediqueube products are available through the official website, Smart Store, Olive Young official mall, Kakao Gift, and other official channels, as well as offline at flagship stores in Hongdae and Apgujeong and the Hyundai Department Store Pangyo branch. APR emphasized that online open markets and unofficial Smart Stores are not official sales routes for genuine Mediqueube products, so consumers should exercise caution.

An APR representative stated, "The manufacturing and sale of counterfeit products is a malicious act that not only infringes on corporate intellectual property rights and undermines trust in K-beauty, but also threatens consumer health," and added, "To prevent further damage, we strongly urge consumers to purchase only through official sales channels."