Kao USA has been warning consumers to be aware, because several of its lotions have been found as counterfeit products in look-a-like packaging in the Northeastern U.S. The counterfeit products are falsely labeled as Jergens Ultra Healing 10 oz. & 21 oz., and Jergens Original Scent 21oz. and Jergens Soothing Aloe 10 oz. & 21 oz.

The packaging is identical to authentic Kao products, so the "fakes" are a challenge to spot. However, the discovered counterfeit product has a thin, watery consistency, unexpected or unpleasant texture, color or odor.

There is one sure way to spot a "fake" Jergens product before making a purchase - take a look at the Lot Code, which should be printed on the back of the bottle, bottom center. If the product is counterfeit, this lot code will either be missing, or will match one of the codes on the list below. Also, in some cases the Lot Code Area is hidden with a False UPC Sticker.

Kao wants consumers to realize that counterfeit products are not subjected to the company's rigorous quality control, and their safety cannot be guaranteed. Kao states, "While only a small number of counterfeit products has been identified by Kao USA's Consumer Care Center and Quality teams and while Kao has not received any report to date of adverse health effects or injury, consumers, particularly those with impaired immune systems, should be careful not to use the counterfeit lotion. If you suspect your product is counterfeit please do not use it and contact the Kao USA Consumer Care Center."

A notice is also being sent to all Kao USA's retail customers in the USA alerting them to the presence of counterfeit goods in some markets and requesting them to remove counterfeit products purchased from unauthorized sources from their shelves.

Kao says it will continue its investigation to identify the source of the counterfeit products. "The safety of our consumers is, and always will be, the top priority at Kao USA," said Joe Workman, President, Kao Americas.  "We will be working diligently with our retail partners to identify the source of the fake products and to ensure only genuine Jergens products are sold in their stores."

"Fake" Lot Codes To Look For

Falsely labeled Jergens 10 oz. Ultra Healing has the Lot Code X0G30055
Falsely labeled Jergens 21 oz. Original Scent has the Lot Code X0G13154
Falsely labeled Jergens 10 oz. Soothing Aloe has the Lot Code X0G30615
Falsely labeled Jergens 21 oz. Soothing Aloe has the Lot Code X0G11144