In Nigeria today, fake cosmetics are everywhere. From Lagos to Abuja, many markets sell fake creams, soaps, perfumes and lotions that look like original but can damage your skin. Many people have suffered dark knuckles, skin burns, and rashes because of fake products. The good news is that NAFDAC has made it very easy to check if your product is original or fake with just your phone.
In this article, I will show you how to check if your cream is genuine using the NAFDAC verification code 1393, using my own experience with MAKARI Egg Yolk Shower Cream.
What is NAFDAC 1393?
NAFDAC means National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. They are in charge of checking food and cosmetics in Nigeria.
To fight fake products, NAFDAC introduced the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS). Every genuine product has a silver scratch panel with a hidden code. When you scratch and send the code to 1393, you will receive an instant SMS telling you if the product is original or fake.
This service works for cosmetics, drugs, drinks, and food.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Cream
I checked my MAKARI Egg Yolk Xtra Lightening Shower Cream 1200ml yesterday and it was 100% genuine. Here is how you can do it:
Step 1: Look for the Silver Sticker
Check your cream bottle for a small silver sticker. It usually says "Scratch to reveal code" and "Text code to 1393". In my Makari bottle, it was at the side with OID: 3317800120070.
Step 2: Scratch Gently
Use your fingernail or coin to scratch the silver panel. Do not scratch too hard. A code of about 10-15 digits will appear.
Step 3: Send SMS to 1393
Open your SMS app, type the code exactly as you see it, and send to 1393. Use any network - MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile. It costs about N20-N50.
Step 4: Wait for Reply
Within 2 minutes, you will get a reply.
If original, you will see:
"OK GENUINE Cosmetics Product, Marketed by Lorentine Cosmetics Ltd. We care about your skin"
If fake, you will see:
"BEWARE! This product may be fake" or "Code not found"
Why You Must Check Before You Use
1. Protect Your Skin: Fake creams contain dangerous chemicals like mercury, hydroquinone overdose and steroids that cause cancer and kidney damage.
2. Avoid Waste of Money: Fake products are expensive and useless.
3. Stop Supporting Criminals: Buying fake encourages importers of fake products.
How to Know a Fake Cream Without Code (Physical Check)
Even before scratching, check these:
1. Spelling mistakes on the pack
2. Different colour or smell from the original you know
3. No batch number or expiry date
4. Very cheap price - if Makari 1200ml is sold for N3,000 instead of N15,000-N20,000, it is fake
5. No importer address in Nigeria - Original Makari shows "Marketed by Lorentine Cosmetics Ltd"
Where to Buy Original Cosmetics in Lagos
• Official distributors
• Big supermarkets like Shoprite, Spar
• Trusted online stores like Jumia Mall (not just any seller)
• Lorentine Cosmetics office
Never buy expensive creams from roadside or open market if you are not sure.
My Experience
I bought MAKARI Egg Yolk Xtra Lightening Shower Cream 1200ml. I saw the sticker that says OID: 3317800120070 TEXT CODE TO 1393. I sent the code to 1393 and received confirmation that it is genuine and marketed by Lorentine Cosmetics Ltd. I was very happy because my skin is safe.
Conclusion
Do not rub anything on your skin without checking. Your skin is your pride. With just N30 airtime and 2 minutes, you can protect yourself from fake cream.
Next time you buy cream, soap, or perfume, always scratch and text to 1393.
Have you checked your cream today?
Call to Action: Have you ever bought a fake cream before? Share your experience in the comment section!
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