How to Spot Fake Shilajit – A Guide for UK Buyers (2025)
With the growing popularity of shilajit in the UK, counterfeit products are everywhere — especially on Amazon, eBay, and unverified online stores.
Fake or adulterated shilajit not only wastes your money, but it can also pose serious health risks, including heavy metal exposure or chemical contamination.
This guide shows you how to identify fake shilajit, avoid scams, and make sure you’re buying authentic, lab-tested resin.
If you’re ready to compare trusted UK suppliers, start with our Best Shilajit UK guide.
Why Counterfeit Shilajit is a Problem
Demand for natural supplements has skyrocketed, and shilajit is one of the most sought-after products. Unfortunately, this popularity has created a huge counterfeit market.
Common issues with fake shilajit:
-
Mixed with tar, asphalt, or charcoal.
-
Bulked up with cheap fillers or powders.
-
Contaminated with heavy metals like lead or mercury.
-
Sold without certificates or lab testing.
These fakes are often marketed with misleading labels and fake reviews, making them hard to identify without knowing the warning signs.
Quick Authenticity Test Table
Test / Check | Real Shilajit Resin | Fake or Adulterated Shilajit |
---|---|---|
Dissolves in Warm Water | ✅ Fully dissolves, clear dark liquid | ❌ Leaves residue or particles |
Taste | Bitter, earthy, natural | Sweet, sour, or chemical taste |
Texture | Sticky, tar-like at room temp | Dry, grainy, or crumbly |
Heat Test | Bubbles & turns to ash | Smokes heavily or smells burnt |
Packaging | Sealed glass jar | Plastic bag or cheap plastic jar |
Lab Report | Certificate of Analysis available | No lab report provided |
Top Warning Signs of Fake Shilajit
1. Suspiciously Low Price
If the price seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Authentic shilajit resin is rare and difficult to source. Very cheap products are almost always fake or low quality.
2. Plastic Packaging
Real resin should always come in a sealed glass jar to protect its purity.
Plastic packaging is a major red flag — it suggests low quality and possible contamination.
3. No Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
A trustworthy supplier will show lab test results proving their product is free from heavy metals and dangerous substances.
If no CoA is available, do not buy.
See examples of authentic lab-tested resin in our Best Shilajit UK guide.
4. Overly Positive Reviews
Counterfeit sellers often use fake five-star reviews to appear legitimate.
Look for detailed reviews with photos, not just generic praise.
5. Wrong Texture or Dissolving Pattern
Real shilajit should:
-
Be sticky and soft at room temperature.
-
Fully dissolve in warm water, leaving no grit or residue.
If it floats, clumps, or leaves sediment, it’s probably fake.
Learn more about testing methods in our Shilajit Dosage Guide — which includes preparation and measuring steps.
Risks of Consuming Fake Shilajit
Risk | Impact on Health |
---|---|
Heavy metals (lead, mercury) | Neurological damage, digestive issues |
Industrial tar/asphalt | Toxic effects, severe stomach irritation |
Chemical fillers | Allergic reactions, unknown side effects |
Mold contamination | Respiratory issues, nausea |
These risks highlight why authenticity is non-negotiable when it comes to shilajit.
How to Ensure You're Buying Real Shilajit
Follow these steps to protect yourself:
-
Buy only from trusted, established sellers.
-
Look for UK lab testing results (CoA).
-
Choose resin over powder or capsules for purity.
-
Check packaging — must be in sealed glass jars.
-
Start with a small amount and test for natural taste and dissolving behavior.
For help deciding between different forms, see our Resin vs Powder guide.
Why Shilajit UK is Trusted
At Shilajit UK, we take counterfeit prevention seriously:
-
UK laboratory testing for every batch.
-
Certificates of Analysis available for customer review.
-
Glass jar packaging to protect potency and purity.
-
Tracked international shipping for reliability.
Final Recommendation
The shilajit market is full of fakes and unsafe products, but with the right knowledge, you can avoid scams and stay safe.
Stick with verified suppliers who provide lab-tested resin and full transparency.
For a complete comparison of trusted UK sources, visit our
Best Shilajit UK guide.