Several cosmetic products from renowned overseas brands such as Estée Lauder, Elizabeth Arden and L'Occitane, have been reported "unqualified", according to a list released on July 30 by China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).

The list released on AQSIQ's website shows that three batches of Elizabeth Arden's White Glove Extreme Brightening Pore Refining Gel, imported by a Hainan duty-free shop from its American mother company, were disposed of as they had surpassed their warranty period.

When interviewed by Guangzhou Daily, a sales manager of Elizabeth Arden China said that the brand's products were very popular at sales counters and no consumer had complained about the expired goods thus far.

In addition, the manager stressed that duty-free shops and sales counters go through different purchasing channels and the products' expiration dates can be verified at sales counters everywhere.

In April of this year, one batch of Bobbi Brown Brightening Hydrating Lotion was disposed of as the goods had failed to match the certificates. Two more batches of L'Occitane's Amande Pate Delice Exfoliante were disposed of due to exceeded lead levels.

In January of this year, AQSIQ also claimed that one batch of Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen, imported from Japan to Qingdao, contained cadmium which is likely to cause poisoning.

Nevertheless, despite the quality problems, a range of cosmetic brands are now planning to raise their prices on the Chinese market after August, especially those of skin whitening, sunscreen and makeup removal products.

An online cosmetics salesperson by the micro-blogging name of ChloeHK_com told Guangzhou Daily that many A-list brands will raise their prices in Hong Kong after August as well. Till now, the brands which have already confirmed the raise include Lamer, Clarins, Estée Lauder and Chanel. Prices are expected to be raised 5-10 percent.

Even though there have been no clear signs of any cosmetic brand raising their prices on the Chinese mainland market thus far, consumers have already started to express their discontent.

One consumer surnamed Liu said, "Many famous cosmetic brands are reported to have quality issues. I really could not accept it if they [truly] were to raise their prices."

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