Is Your The Ordinary Product Fake? Understanding Korean Stickers on Skincare Bottles

If you’ve ever received a bottle of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% with a Korean sticker, you might have wondered: “Is this product fake?” You’re not alone—many skincare enthusiasts ask the same question.

In this article, we’ll debunk myths, clarify why these stickers exist, and help you verify authenticity—so you can feel confident in your skincare purchases.

Why Do Some The Ordinary Products Have a Korean Sticker?

1. It’s a Legal Requirement in South Korea

South Korea has strict cosmetic regulations enforced by the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Any imported skincare product must include a Korean-language label detailing:

✔ Ingredients
✔ Usage instructions
✔ Manufacturer & importer details
✔ Safety certifications

Rather than redesigning packaging for one market, brands apply Korean stickers to comply with these laws. This does not mean the product is counterfeit—it simply means it was legally imported.

2. Official Distributors Add Stickers to Comply with the Law

Companies like DECIEM Korea, the official distributor of The Ordinary in South Korea, apply these stickers to meet regulatory standards. This is common across many international beauty brands, including:

• The Ordinary
• Cosrx
• CeraVe
• La Roche-Posay

If your product has this sticker, it’s actually a sign that it came through an official distribution channel rather than being a gray-market import.

Debunking the “Sticker = Fake” Myth

Many consumers assume that stickers indicate a counterfeit product, but this is a misunderstanding. Here’s why:

🚫 Fake products often don’t have compliance stickers because they are smuggled in or made outside official supply chains.
🚫 Counterfeit items may have poorly printed, misspelled, or incorrect Korean stickers, unlike genuine distributor-applied labels.

💡 Pro Tip: The best way to verify authenticity is to buy from trusted, authorized retailers rather than third-party resellers.

How to Check If Your The Ordinary Product Is Authentic

Worried about fakes? Follow this 3-step authenticity test:

1. Examine the Packaging & Labeling

Look for these signs of authenticity:

✅ Korean sticker is properly placed, clear, and free from typos.
✅ Font and design match The Ordinary’s official branding.
✅ Bottle has a consistent texture, smell, and color.

If anything seems off—like a blurry logo, incorrect fonts, or missing stickers—it might be fake.

2. Purchase Only from Authorized Retailers

The best way to avoid counterfeits is to purchase from trusted sellers. DECIEM lists official distributors on their website—so always check before buying!

3. Contact DECIEM Directly for Confirmation

Since DECIEM does not provide an online batch verification system, the best way to verify a product is to contact their customer service directly at support@deciem.com with details about your product, including the batch number and purchase location.

Adilsons’ Commitment to 100% Authentic Products

At Adilsons, we take product authenticity seriously.

As a Konami-licensed Official Tournament Store (OTS) for Trading Card Games, we only sell original, authorized TCG products—and our approach to K-beauty is no different.

🔹 We source from trusted, authorized distributors.
🔹 We refuse to stock brands unless we can verify their authenticity.
🔹 If we don’t trust a supplier, we don’t sell the product—period.

While some brands aren’t available at Adilsons yet, it’s because we won’t compromise on quality or authenticity. Your skin deserves the best, and we’ll never risk selling fake beauty products.

Final Thoughts: Should You Worry About Korean Stickers?

Absolutely not. Korean stickers on The Ordinary products are a sign of legal importation and compliance, not counterfeiting.

👉 Here’s what to remember:
✅ Stickers are required by KFDA regulations.
✅ They indicate official distribution, not a fake product.
✅ Always check packaging details and buy from trusted retailers.

So, the next time you see a Korean sticker on your The Ordinary bottle, rest assured—it’s real, and it’s authentic.

Still have doubts? Drop a comment below or reach out—we’re happy to help!

Next Steps: What You Should Do Now

✅ Check your product’s packaging and details for peace of mind.
✅ Buy only from authorized stores like Adilsons to avoid fakes.
✅ Share this article with friends who are unsure about Korean stickers on skincare products!

🔹 Looking for 100% authentic K-beauty? Check out our collection at Adilsons!