What began as a few whistleblower posts and disturbing reports of harmful skincare products has now spiraled into a nationwide movement, forcing authorities, businesses and consumers to confront the ugly truth behind the booming cosmetics market.

As the dust begins to settle, one thing is clear: Indonesia’s beauty industry will never be the same.

The term “skincare mafia” refers to a secretive network of unethical skincare manufacturers and distributors in Indonesia who are reportedly involved in producing and selling harmful or counterfeit beauty products. These products are often marketed with promises of rapid results, such as skin whitening, acne reduction or wrinkle elimination, while containing illegal ingredients that pose serious health risks.

Since the term first captured public attention nationwide, investigations have revealed a shadowy web of unethical manufacturers and distributors exploiting regulatory loopholes. These unscrupulous actors capitalized on the ease of registering cosmetics in Indonesia, flooding the market with unsafe products laced with dangerous ingredients such as mercury and hydroquinone.

The scandal gained viral attention after several whistleblowers, including former employees of skincare companies, came forward with shocking revelations. Using the hashtag #MafiaSkincare, they shared stories about how these manufacturers cut corners, used dangerous chemicals and repackaged rejected products. Some posts even accused popular local celebrities and influencers of knowingly endorsing or promoting these unsafe products for lucrative deals.

The revelations have sparked outrage online, with consumers sharing their own experiences of skin damage after using certain products. The rise of personal testimonies, photos of chemical burns and legal threats from beauty companies have only fueled public curiosity, making the scandal one of the most talked-about issues in the beauty industry this year.